Welcome to level 37, Alicia.
I'd like to begin with a current list of your to dos, if any. This will help me guide you in the coming adventures.
Don't really have much, mostly just... watching out for Shar stuff so we can respond and help with that?
It's kind of a big problem I'm having right now, there's no like dungeons or quests for busy epic gods, and our actual designated foe is so far above us we can't go directly fight her but nor are there any good avenues to train up on until we reach her level. So mostly just sitting around doing god-stuff.
As a matter of fact I agree with that. Hence...
"Sister."
Jessica comes up as you work, as your senses see to your own and to so many of your duties. She's travel stained, a dull brown cloak taken off as she enters, fading to nothing once she's let go of it. "I've just finished a round of travels and bring a great deal of news. We've been so busy with Shar that events move elsewhere."
Focused inward on prayer and magic as she physically rests in one of her palace gardens, Alicia pats the stone bench next to her. "Tell me then," she invites, already bracing for more bad news.
"I checked in with Oberuth first," Jessica begins, "We met on the Deep Ethereal while I nosed around there. Shar's sent a few assassins his way as he stomps on some of her Prime Material efforts, but nothing truly to challenge him. Either he's stronger than Shar thinks, or it's token reprisals for now. Shar's willing to waste a few followers, but not for no reason, so I suspect she's appraising his skills. I'm sure she saw him fight Daa-vid and has a very good idea, but that also means that he's proven he's a serious threat."
A long breath is taken as Jessica conjures a cool towel from nowhere, wiping and cleaning her face. "As for the Deep Ethereal, nothing too unusual there, but I didn't stay long. At least nothing huge that twinged my senses, sister."
"She can afford to spend lives to learn more about a threat, and if any of them get lucky so much the better," Alicia agrees, offering Jessica a glass of cool and pristine water to drink. "You never can tell what's behind the next fog-bank on the ethereal though, so who knows what all is there."
Jessica takes the water and drinks it all down. After she reclines back, the bench behind her shifting into a comfortable chair. She rests there for several moments before, "I'm not physically tired, I can't be any more. But I am emotionally drained. It's been a difficult week, sister."
After a pause for that, "Which is why I didn't stay long. If it's not big enough to attract a lot of attention, there's only so much you can find on the Deep Ethereal without spending great piles of time there. My check there was in case the sky was falling."
Slowly she turns to you, "Air's quiet, mostly. There's a few ominous omens according to Chan. Some manner of abomination stirs or has returned to Air, but details are hazy. She's investigating. Otherwise the djinn aren't doing anything too unusual, just the normal jostling and adventures, and the elementals are likewise. Akadi's been a little more visible, and I hear she hosted a tournament recently, which might mean everything or nothing. I inquired but Akadi wasn't interested in conversation."
"Any interesting outcomes on that tournament?" Alicia asks curiously, content to sit on stone herself. Like Jessica she doesn't get tired, nor uncomfortable.
"No," Jessica admits, "I'm not even sure who competed in it and why. All I know is that Akadi oversaw it personally. The lack of information is what got my attention in the first place. That sort of event is usually well known, but this one is strangely quiet."
"Bizarre," Alicia agrees. "If Akadi oversaw it then the competitors must have been of a high level."
"I'll ask around further. As for Earth it's quiet still," Jessica reports, "At least as far as our interests go. The dao are mostly internally focused and seem to have no business with Fire's current situation. I have heard reports of quiet political purges, but nothing solid. I'm not sure that's true or not, I imagine the Dismal Delve is dangerous at the best of times. Though I did hear that Alyssa's group made an inquiry with Sunnis and Entemoch, though they were respectably discreet except to ask my opinion of them."
"I'm glad they're making useful contacts, Sunnis and Entemoch are easy to work with," Alicia says with a little nod.
"Water's likewise quiet right now," Jessica says, "Though to be fair to all of them, I haven't done much in the quasis and paras. I didn't have time. Nothing that really stands out, but with how the Water Lord kept Water out of the last war, they may be repeating that course if Fire erupts." A pause, Jessica looking up, "As far as Fire goes, it's on a knife's edge. Everyone seems to know something's coming. Some heard it from someone else, some smell it in the wind, others just know. It's close, and Fire itself seems expectant."
"I heard from Seira," Alicia agrees. "We don't owe anything to any side, so aren't likely to get involved in any internecine conflict the efreet start. The feeling I get is Kossuth wants a new equilibrium where the strongest rise to the top rather than a weak devil pawn, so any outside interference is going to go against that."
Jessica inclines her head forward.
We know enough and have been hinted enough to know more factors are in play here than we can reckon, and more history too. I fear more and more it is the Crimson Firebrand, for who else could provoke this in Fire? A great king that returns in a time of great need. Perhaps he is the chosen hand for Razalim, and this is the apex of Kossuth's plans for this entire war.
A Fire where only the strongest rise would fit his beliefs, too.
"I don't know about the Crimson Firebrand returning, it seems far too convenient. But though I'd instinctively ask 'why now', the question doesn't fit, not with the godsrush and Shar on the move to enforce that prophecy. Now of all times is the best time for such a thing to happen, at least from the efreet point of view," Alicia concludes aloud, no one but Jessica able to hear her voice here.
With security assured, "I think that's why, ultimately. The Godsrush is unlike anything else that's happened since the beginning." Jessica agrees. "We may even need someone like that in Fire when the time comes, if he's willing to stand against Shar."
"I often hear his contemporaries speak well of him even if they couch their praise," Alicia concurs. "We'll see. He still might prove an obstacle depending on his specific goals, but I'm content to let events play out there."
"Meanwhile, I also went to the Astral," Jessica goes on, "No great changes, but the events that have taken the Cauldron have been noticed. Nothing serious, and I believe Vlaakith is holding a very slow burning plan here. I believe if anything she's hunting for divine seeds. But...at least it's quiet there."
Going on after that, "Celestia is still in a state of religious fervor, more than usual, and it's building." Here Jessica smiles, "Doubtless one of Zaphkiel's omens as well as to prepare Celestia for what is to come. To paraphrase Zaphkiel, as I asked him rather than guess. In particular news of several new gods spreads."
"It better spread, any that are unknown now better be using obscurity to some kind of advantage," Alicia says. "There are still a few seeds extant, we shouldn't completely dismiss the ability of someone sufficiently motivated to find them ahead of us. I'm concerned the one in Elysium is being left hanging for so long, someone might challenge the arch-angels for it if Moore doesn't satisfy their requirements."
"Antenora's over there, send her a message about it," Jessca suggests. "Also," Going right on from that, "Bytopia's beginning to get visitors. Slowly, but soon enough it'll be rejuvenated. Garl has so much to do, and when this is over, we'll have to help him make it right. Perhaps sooner if he's threatened again."
"Marie's often over there, she's spending a lot of time helping Garl catch up and learning from him," Alicia says, content that avenue is well looked after.
"Elysium is Elysium, but I stopped into Dweomerheart. It's subtle, but Mystra's greatly increased security." Jessica goes on, "We talked and sister? I suppose she feels like it's not proper for her to confide in her servitor deities, but we aren't included in that. She's worried about what's coming. Dweomerheart begins to reflect her mood. I saw more war magic being practiced there than I have in my other visits, and even saw a few martial drills for those spellcasters of that persuasion. It's clear that Mystra's preparing for war."
"It's a shame I can't take that burden from her, but she's right to be worried and I'm glad she's preparing," Alicia says, nonetheless a bit saddened that Dweomerheart can't be merely a place of wonder and peace.
"It's Shar's fault," Jessica agrees, "As for Arborea, I've heard stories. Nothing I saw or could confirm, but of great elven ancestors appearing for the first time in a great many years."
Alicia just hums in response to that, it's not really much to go on or react to. "There's a lot to hide in those woods, we can trust the elves see the same omens and are preparing themselves."
"It's why I didn't look too closely," Jessica agrees, "If you find it interesting, investigate yourself." Going on from that, "As for Ysgard, it's Ysgard. I've heard a rogue gorgon has stirred and made trouble far in the deeper layers. She's lead stone golem forces that have routed several armies now. But..." Jessica says, "She's lead by a follower of Tempus named Colke."
"That's an interesting name to hear again," Alicia says. "The one who found what he feared?"
"Yes," Jessica agrees, "But it gets better and more confusing." She goes on, "I also went by Arcadia. Not for long, nothing ever happens in Arcadia. Except I listened to a bard while resting briefly and he spoke of a woman he met - named Colke, an avenger. The other Colke was a man in all the tellings I heard."
"To be fair, names aren't entirely unique," Alicia says. "Colke is a somewhat unusual one, but still any one plane is big enough for a dozen of them."
"It gets better," Jessica's smile is a little grim now, "In Acheron, I heard of a man named Colke. A wizard who has just taken a cube for his own. In Hades a tormented unique daemon whispered of Colke, the female warlock who bound him into service. All within the most recent times."
"So what ties them together, other than being said in your hearing in the recent past?" Alicia asks.
"Absolutely nothing," Jessica says, "Besides that each of them is new. Otherwise they're different in almost every way I can imagine from what I know. Each seems to have a different purpose and meaning, and yet powerful entities, each one bearing the same name, have all arisen at once?"
"Perhaps split apart into many? Well, if one's close to home we can at least investigate the one on Ysgard," Alicia says, thinking it best to take Antenora along on that for her power of truth. "We'll take Antenora and go pursue this gorgon later."
"Now what's interesting," Jessica says after that, "Is that I got an unofficial tour of Baator this time as well as military intelligence." After a moment for that, "Aesmadeva awaited me when I snuck in and gave me a run down on the situation in Hell. Utterly unreliable, but probably fundamentally truthful considering our shared enemy as well as misleading away from anything helpful after all of this. Intimidating if anything, Asmodeus ordered him to do this, to give such information to a known enemy of Hell, and he did so without any hesitation."
A long breath before, "I don't think it matters, in the same way we know things on Mount Celestia are as well taken care of as can be.
"Better than running afoul of Lixer," Alicia says warily. "Any particular highlights from the tour?"
"He took me to see Lixer's forces. It's what you'd expect, if I'm to be truthful," Jessica says, "Strong, numerous and even if Lixer wasn't aware of us, presented to make them look invincible." With a rather sour smile, "The devils get it that honestly from Asmodeus."
"Still mostly undead?" she asks curiously.
"Mostly," Jessica confirms. "As I said, what you'd expect."
Alicia nods, nothing else to press on there. "Any other noteworthy events past Hell then?"
"A few," Jessica says, "There's stirrings in Auril's realm, not sure over what. I didn't have time to go nosing there, and she's proven perceptive to sneaks before. It's hard to sneak in a blizzard when everyone can see through it. There's also trouble in the Abyss, but there's always trouble in the Abyss."
Speaking of Auril, how's Ox doing on Lifasa?
"Anything interesting about Pale Night or Zquujaj?" she asks on the subject of the Abyss.
Peeking, you see he's doing well, preparing and just about ready.
"I hear some mortal heroes looked in and lost," Jessica says, "And that Pale Night has been seen on other layers, but reports don't agree on which layer."
"Nothing we can really work on then, but they're not the most obvious of fiends... well, one isn't. Zquujaj usually is," Alicia muses.
"Usually," Jessica says, "But I brought in what I could for us to work on. Do you have any leads from this, sister?"
"Nothing I want to immediately pounce on," she admits. "But the Colke business is interesting enough. Take a rest while Antenora's gone, when she comes back we'll go investigate Nidavellir."
Jessica stays there in rest a little time, before, "So where is Antenora?"
"Mechanus," Alicia answers. "Moore has business with the Adversary and she's consulting to help."
"Oh. Moore. Antenora has her weaknesses to that type," Jessica cracks a faint smile at that.
"Tell her that when she gets back," Alicia suggests. "Assuming time in the Adversary's presence hasn't soured her mood at least."
"I will." Jessica's smile is warm as the sun as she adds, "Hopefully they kept their tempers in check."
"We'll see, at any rate," Alicia says.
Can just wait for Anty to be done in Moore's thread since there's nothing really going on here otherwise.
Sure, it shouldn't be much longer.
Antenora's return is uneventful. She meets you in your rooms and merely says, "The Adversary continues his own plans. What a vile creature." She helps herself to a deep, comfortable chair before, "We bickered with words sharp as blades more than once."
"If it's only words I'll take that, could be worse," Alicia says, her and Jessica meeting Antenora on her return. "Did you glean much of his plans?"
"Precious little, though he did claim his motivations were to oppose the Prophecy of Primus." Antenora explains, "I don't believe he lied to me, but I also didn't contest him with the truth directly." Once sitting she lets out a long breath, "I disabused him of the notion that you are a butcher, despite his implications. More importantly, he's aware of our recent encounter with Talona, which suggests his mastery over poisons gave him insight to the event, or he has open communications with Talona. Possibly both."
"A lot of people died to poison there, it likely would be the sort of thing he'd feel even without them having a working relationship which you'd expect," Alicia says reluctantly. "He was interested in Sharran items when we purchased his aid to reach Rosewater, so at least that follows."
"It makes too much sense," Jessica agrees, standing by a window, gaze faraway. "Anything else?"
Antenora looks up in thought, quiet before, "A few things. He enjoyed verbally sparring with Sylvie more than he did me. Nothing he said, but that was the impression I got. I think that if we press it, we oppose each other too much. Both of us escaped from Hell, but from radically different paths. He accepted meaningless evil, he cast away the order of Baator by deciding it was worthless. I accepted meaning, that there are things in Creation worth so much more than ourselves."
"So he's only interested in his own desires?" Jessica asks back.
"Essentially. He came to the realization that the facade of order, the bonds of tyranny and the strength of groups are nothing compared to what he wants." Antenora agrees, turning her to Jessica. "Is something interesting out there?"
"No. I'm sorry." Jessica turns with a rueful smile, "It's been a challenging few days, and to see Sylica reminds me of why I fight."
A smile back, Antenora's voice warmer afterwards. "I can't prove this, but I know how a devil thinks and I've seen enough of him to discern how he thinks. He probably only cares about the Prophecy because he needs Creation. If he were One, he might cast it aside entirely, save that he needs others to sate his own perverse needs." Though Antenora pauses here. "He's also shown the flexibility to be a true free agent - associate with the Heavens if needs must on all sides, and I don't doubt he's even consorted with demons. His needs are more important than Baator's judgments against them."
"Can we use it against him?" Jessica asks then, resting her back against the window sill.
"Not directly, but it'll help us prepare the next time we encounter him," Antenora agrees, "It's insights to his character, not a skeleton key to his downfall." Antenora rises and goes to Jessica, peering out over her shoulder. After a moment Jessica turns as well, and hugs Antenora after another gaze out. Neither says anything and they part silently before Antenora continues. "To go back, it wasn't much, but I got the impression Sylvie has a certain chemistry with him. She admitted her own self loathing granted her some insight into his nature. Speculation, but I think she has some of his same instinct to use her tongue like a poisoned barb, even if she doesn't indulge it anymore."
"And Moore?" Jessica finishes the question.
"Harder to say, because he wanted something from him." Antenora turns back to you now, "I doubt he liked Moore at all, but he notably and mostly kept his barbs away from him."
Alicia digests all of that, sitting back herself. "We'll see what it serves us should we meet him again. Are you ready for another journey? More... mysteries, of layer 666. Jessica h as heard of Colke... many Colkes, in fact. But one of them is apparently at the head of an army deep below Ysgard, and thus in easy reach for us."
A long moment.
Antenora goes and sinks back into her chair, a moment of quiet exasperation. "More than one Colke?" she asks you. "Walk me through that, Alicia? Why didn't you mention this earlier, Jessica?"
"I just found out about them on my most recent trip," Jessica explains, "Suddenly I come across Colkes everywhere! It's like when it's along, warm autumn and overnight frost and snow come at once, and you look out to see winter came unawares."
"We wanted to ask about your trip first," Alicia says in their defence. She literally just got here.
"But yes, Jessica came across several across the planes, all making waves to some degree at least for her to hear of them even if she never met them. All different, both in shape and manner and goal... so we may as well try and find out what this means in relation to layer 666. The name was mentioned to us for a reason."
"Then there's no point in waiting," Antenora rises to her feet, "Who will go?"
"Us three," Alicia says. "Jessica's already done the investigating and has the leads, and if there's any trickery or lies involved you're the best one for seeing through them. We'll be going to Nidavellir, that's where you heard about it, right Jessica?"
"Yes," Jessica confirms, "We'll need to be ready for..."
Which is really just a segue to ask you for any prep so I can do spoiler blocks.
Everyone gets:
Greater heroism (CL 37, +4 morale attack/saves/skills, +20 temp hp)
Recitation (CL 37, +3 luck AC/attack/saves
Many moments of prescience (CL 39, +30 insight to AC/attack/save/opposed skill or ability check 4 times) given via divine familiar bullshit
Epic mage armour (CL 37, +22 armour AC) given from MArie
Extended nondetection (CL 40, DC 55 to overcome) given via divine familiar bullshit
Freedom of movement (CL 37)
[spoiler]
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/8/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/16/4
Moments of prescience left: 4
[/spoiiler]
Warmth.
Nidavellir is warm as you appear in a cavern. A cavern that glitters with mica and perhaps fool's gold, the light you all shed reflected many times over. A beautiful cavern, heat plentiful as Jessica goes forward. "This way," she calls.
"Which is?" Antenora asks as she follows, your footsteps a soft retort amid this place.
"It's close to Nardvir, a trade hub and close to where I've heard rumors of Colke. We can begin here," Jessica explains. "They have anti teleportation measures, and while not strong, there's no reason to attract attention by opposing them."
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959+20/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 42/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 13/13 Channel Energy 18/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+145+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Jessica
HP: 779/779
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Telepathic Block 20ft (Stops telepathy/summons) Magic Circle Against Evil 10ft (Protection from Evil), Divine 10ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Defensive Roll 1/1 Plane Hop 1/1 Superior Invisibility 3/3 Ghost Form 3/3 Shadow Form 3/3 Retribution Domain 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: +4 bonus to people who flank with her instead of +2. Use d8s for sneak attack against evil instead of d6s.
Alicia has a concealing cloak on as she often does when travelling about when not in full divine symbol mode. She hasn't magically changed her appearance or anything, it's more downplaying than disguise so she won't attract a crowd (or some idiot that wants to try their luck) from a passing glance.
"Shouldn't be hard to find an army of stone golems led by a rogue gorgon," she opines. That sort of thing draws notice.
The others copy you - not unusual for Jessica at least. "It shouldn't be," Jessica agrees, "The only reason I'm not working more directly is in case some power or another is involved. A little effort to do this the mortal way may save us a headache."
"There's definitely something fishy about it all," Alicia says, hopping over broken and cracked ground easily enough as she follows Jessica.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d100=81]
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d100=65]
Nardvir is a walled fortress, a small city around it with another wall protecting that. A few roads go into it, in a cavern so large that the ceiling above has misty, sparkling clouds form. Even as you approach the sound of blacksmiths and metalworking fills your ears, easily audible to here from your divine senses. The steady, masterful work of dwarven smiths, of those who have spent a lifetime perfecting such an art.
Perhaps as good as you'd find in Clangeddin. At least when it comes to making implements of war, it's hard to beat Ysgard.
"Nice place. I don't often come down this far," Alicia says as they approach the cavernous city, most of her time on Ysgard spent on the mountains and valleys far above their heads.
"Every generation or so, enough sparkly fragments get caught up above to cause a rainstorm, rain laden with glitter. It's a shame that none of it's valuable, but I've heard it's gorgeous." Jessica glances up at the clouds above. "It's still a few years away, but I intend to see it next time."
"It's homey," Antenora agrees as you find no guards at the gate - only arches with a message that reads as thus. 'Enter, those with a clear heart and unburdened soul. Those who are not will succumb under the weight of sin.' "I can imagine the dwarves that live here, being industrious."
Not very warlike for Ysgard but not everyone has to be spoiling for a fight at every moment otherwise permanent settlements would be rather hard to organise. "There's a lot of them, beating metal into shape," she agrees with Antenora as they go inside, following Jessica's lead for how she plans to dig up information.
Jessica's going to diplo to GI. Go ahead and give me an aid another check for it, please?
[18:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+67 aiding
[18:14] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=15]
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/8/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/16/4
Moments of prescience left: 4
> roll 1d20+86 aiding
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 106 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+53 for real this is one of the times I really think GI being folded into diplo is a bad, bad rule
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+49 perform (act)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=18]
For Jessica here.
A few quiet taverns, a shopping square, an old inn keep. Jessica navigates them well until you come up to an older dwarf. Gray-shot and tired looking, several scars over his face - including a starburst over his left eye, which is somehow intact. Some brown hair remains as he sits at a tavern table, clad in travel stained heavy armor. A horned helmet rests on the table besides him. He drinks up - crystal clear water.
He slams the beer stein of water down before, "The one time women come to me and it's not about my cock." He grouses, and on seeing Antenora's expression drop, "A joke." He finishes his water off in one big gulp, "Thought you'd be the world worn sort who would get the humor. Got some blood on your hands, I bet."
"It's Ysgard, pretty princesses are only here as rewards," Jessica's own smile is rather amused. "My friend there is the prissy sort. Oh, she'll fight, but only when she looks fabulous. Every hair in place, looking like she's been made up and primped for hours. I'm not a man, but when I see her on a battlefield, I can see why they want her."
Must you?
I get so jealous of you when I see you take to battle. You always look perfect.
Oh, very well. In the spirit of complements.
That at least seems to silence Antenora's objections.
"So," The dwarf says after a few moments, "You want my attention, what do you want to know?"
"You're name's Holmar?" After a nod to that, "Heard you dealt with those golems that are running around." Jessica asks.
"Yeah, earned my most recent pay fighting them," Holmar agrees, "What do you three want to know?"
Alicia smiles at Jessica's teasing of Antenora, her own features shrouded by her hood. "Even a pretty princess can swing a mace around here," she says lightly. "But we're looking to track down those golems, and someone named Colke that's leading them? One of Tempus's?"
"That reasons out. I'll tell you what you want on two conditions. One, buy me lunch to save me the coin," he begins, "Heaven it may be, but one where coin earned in battle pays the way. At least here. Two, lower your hoods. Don't know who you are and why you're hiding, but I want to look someone I help in the eye."
"Perhaps we're like gorgons ourselves and trying to keep you from turning to stone at our visages?" Alicia speculates. "You can see my face here, and understand why we're keeping the hoods up." A Sylican platinum coin is placed down, face up showing Alicia's stern visage in profile before him.
The coin is taken, an inspection of it and then the three of you.
"Not a liar, are you?" Holmar pockets the platinum. "Gertrude! Four of whatever the special is today," he calls, and tosses the coin accurately across the tavern, to one of the waitresses, who catches it and gives the four of you a wave.
"We were hired to cover a retreat at the last moment. Rekkar's forces wandered down to challenge them and lost. From what I hear he underestimated them, or maybe overestimated his forces. We were what they could scratch up and they paid gold out of the nose for it." A pause as meals come for each of you - a great pile of breaded and fried potato chunks, as well as a wedge of white cheese and an apple, as well as dark beer.
"Thanks, Gertrude. No change," he waves her off as her face lights up in a smile. He pauses for a drink before, "I'd say the gorgon's good, but Colke lead it and lead it well. Knows how to lead an army. Chaos trained, too much flexibility and more importantly, smart flexibility. Some of Tempus's followers are Red Knight's in all but name, but he wasn't one of them. Slings a mean flame pillar too, threw those out to nearly break us. We held but barely, and we took some serious losses doing it. Our arrows and spells couldn't touch him."
Alicia helps herself to some potato and cheese while listening, chasing it down with the beer. "Fighting over any particular location or just a set piece battle for Rekkar?"
Planes on Rekkar, btw? Take 10 for 71
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/8/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/16/4
Moments of prescience left: 4
It's...well, it's tavern food, but competent tavern food. You've had far worse over your years. Antenora has some as well and Jessica eats up too.
"Set piece battle," Is the answer, "Really we were at the last minute so our entire participation was fluid. We bought them time and our survivors got out." He reaches up and taps his scarred eye, "Lost an eye to an arrow, had to regrow it. They don't even do much fucking archery, it was a fluke shot when I helped cover the final retreat."
"You're lucky to be alive, or very tough," Jessica observes.
"I'm great at getting better," Holmar states, "But regrowing something takes time and hurts like a bitch. The brain damage was minimal, but the eye took some focus and time."
Antenora's eyes flash the faintest blue. "More than Ysgard's blessings, I see."
The dwarf's jaw sets, "Figured out how to do it myself. Gotta force your body to want more life energy and take it." He swigs back his beer before, "Once I figured out how, it was like training any other muscle. Once I got it in shape, it settled into place. It's our own weakness that stops us from healing faster. A warrior takes weakness and crushes it."
"I've known a few who can do that and learned how," Antenora concurs, "Congratulations, it's the mark of an elite hero."
Rekkar is a warlord in Ysgard. A dime a dozen, but he mostly commands petitioners and a smattering of elves and eladrin, along with war hound special forces. Somewhere in the vast middle of warlords.
Well it's Ysgard, even if he had died it's not like it would have stopped him being here to tell the story.
"There's that famous dwarven endurance in action," she raises her alestein to him. "How far out from here was the fight, and how long ago?"
"Four days ago, and about 50 miles," Is the answer, "Over in Redrock Chasm, the outskirts before the chasm really starts. They got across the bridges there, but aren't heading this way."
"Golems can march hard but they leave a trail," Alicia says, biting into her apple for some sweetness after the meal. Apples of course being a troublesome fruit for her on Ysgard, but it all works out. Perhaps a good omen? "You hear Colke talk at all?"
"Just combat," Is the answer, "Good voice, he had no trouble being heard. Too bad he's not commanding real live soldiers, he has the voice for it."
"Surprised if he hasn't recruited any by now, but we'll see," Alicia says, finishing off her lunch before she rises. "We're much obliged for your story. Blessings on your next battle."
A nod back, respectful.
Once you're out, Jessica merely speaks in your minds. That's good information. It also suggests even more than the gorgon is under his thrall, magically or merely through words.
I didn't expect anything else. A charismatic leader that arises from nothing and quickly takes over is a time honored event. Someone when you meet them, they change your life forever.
Antenora's hooded gaze turns squarely to Alicia at that.
Your point is taken - this is territory we should know. That means if we need to end this, Colke is the target. If we don't, we still know Colke pulls the strings. Just as if Balmuria's heroes had fallen in its early battles, the city would likely have followed.
This still isn't that sort of mission until we have reason to make it that sort of mission. As of now Colke is doing nothing wrong in Ysgard and everything right. Let's not assume too far.
Antenora gets an unapologetic smile when directing that look at Alicia.
We've no reason to assume Colke is our enemy, this is just to learn more about 666. I'll take us to bridges over Redrock Chasm and we'll see where to go from there.
And she does just that, teleporting them over.
It is a deep chasm, nearly a mile drop before you see a rocky bottom. You stand on a long bridge over it, shaped stone that endures despite being well over a thousand feet long and wide enough for a great beast of war to cross. Several more of those bridges are here. On the far side are perhaps two dozen large stone golems, standing here on guard.
What are the golems guarding?
5 miles of divine senses plus blindsight/tremorsense on the go.
It looks like they're holding a line, as a ways ahead is the main encampment. A rearguard.
"Seems they haven't gone far after all," Alicia says, approaching the golems.
It's a strange army to have on Ysgard, really. They're strong but unlike everyone else once they're broken that's it.
You approach. When you come within about 200ft, "Hold," One of the golems calls in a monotone. "Do not come forward."
Alicia stops. For now.
"We seek the one known as Colke," she calls back.
"He is here," Is the reply, "But you cannot pass."
"Then bring him here," Alicia calls back.
There is a simple nod and one departs.
It doesn't even take long. A rather tall man in heavy armor approaches, a steel mask hiding his face. Short-cut blonde hair can be seen, almost buzzed down. He carries a sword at his hip, as he calls, "What do you want with me?"
Alicia pulls her hood back, although to be fair not everyone is going to recognise a deity on sight and he's too far to feel her divine aura. Regardless the time for skulking about is past.
"To speak of the Terminus. The six hundred and sixty sixth layer of the Abyss," she answers.
Antenora follows suit, intent on him.
The moment you ask that, his reply is simple, "I know not what you speak of."
> roll 1d20+73 divine insight Antenora sense motive
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d20=7]
He lies. The truth speaks against him, as do his own words.
Underneath her cloak, Alicia wears the emerald of truth - not something she has on habitually but when dealing with 666 she deems it prudent.
"Please do not try to lead us astray. The power of 666 is lies, so I would ask you to speak honestly," she says after Antenora's contribution.
Take 10 for 133 on my own sense motive checks. The gem sees through illusions as well if there's any lie in his appearance.
He's not an illusion at least, but you can sense the lie as clearly as Antenora. He's lying to your face.
Charisma check there.
[20:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+25
[20:18] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=11]
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/8/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/16/4
Moments of prescience left: 4
"There are no lies," Is Colke's answer, "Only what you do not yet understand." His voice is different, emotionless.
"You sound as if you know what I speak of after all," Alicia says reprovingly. That's a clear lie then!
Enough. Speak the truth.
> roll 1d20+36
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=19]
Colke visibly recoils from Antenora, a hiss of pain as he throws his arms up, as if to shield himself from her. He steps back several steps, but no words come.
"Didn't like that, did you?" Jessica notes coolly, "They need no sword nor armor when they wield the truth as a weapon."
Alicia gives him a moment to collect himself after that before she takes several steps forward. "We're not looking for a fight, only answers. What did you find on the 666th layer?"
"I don't remember," Colke finally says. "Tempus as my witness, I do not remember!"
Antenora is at his side in a few steps, distance devoured. Behind him now, a hand on his shoulder. "You have nothing to be afraid of, I will not personally strike down one of the Foehammer's without fair provocation, and only in honorable battle unless they give me no other recourse. Tell me what you remember instead."
Colke stops entirely, any retreat blocked by Antenora. Jessica approaches as well while he responds, "I remember my retreat. I escaped, gave thanks and offerings for that mercy and found a new cause to glorify the Foehammer's name. Glorious battle is always a good offering to him."
"Was it just you?" Alicia asks as she follows the other two more sedately. Where did all the other Colkes come from?
"Yes," he answers. "I went alone, that I remember."
Antenora's taking 10 on sense motive here as needed.
A slight nod from Antenora as she goes on, her hand soothing on his shoulder, rubbing it. "There are other Colkes." Is her answer, "I will not hide the truth from you. To what end I know not."
"LIAR!" A rapid turn and wild swing. It hits Antenora in the face, and from the creak of metal and snap of bone, he is not a trained monk. Antenora's face doesn't move in the slightest, her expression unchanged.
"That," Jessica says very softly, "Is enough of that." She comes to his side and holds his fist.
"Tell him of the others, Jessica," Alicia asks once she joins them all, wanting to see if that'll knock anything loose in his head.
A roar. His other hand comes to strike Jessica - but Antenora stops it. His screams are loud before Antenora reaches out and whispers, "Be calmed."
> roll 1d20+36 vs 44
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=17]
Calm emotions via miracle SLA.
"Whatever this is, it is fearsomely strong," Antenora observes over his screams, as the golems do not move to intervene.
Is he wearing any kind of magic amulet I can see with arcane sight?
No. His mask, his armor, two rings, a belt worn beneath his armor (mostly) and an anklet are magical, though.
"Hold him," Alicia asks curtly, taking off the emerald amulet she received from the Man of Winds and draping its chain around Colke's neck.
Greater Gemstone of Truth: Anyone who wears this pendant can discern truth from lies, as if by a discern lies spell (CL60th, save DC 60). It grants a +60 competence bonus to Sense Motive. The wearer sees through all illusions short of deific illusions, and gains a +10 competence bonus to any saving throw against them, and is entitled to one whenever he first sees such an illusion, as if he actively disbelieved the illusion.
The wearer can see the truth behind lies and twisted truths from the 666th layer of the Abyss, and with this, can find the power to undo such lies, though it is exceedingly difficult and requires extraordinarily powerful magic or divine will. Any dispel checks to do so (but not rank checks should alter reality or divine measures be used) gain a +10 competence bonus.
He is held. Once the pendant is put on Colke, he stops his struggles.
Silence.
Colke sinks to his knees and begins to sob, mask cast aside so that his hand, broken or not, can hold his face.
Antenora kneels next to him. She says nothing and he sobs until the storm passes. His voice is shaky now but he does not hesitate to speak.
"I have to die." His answer is plain. "As long as I live, this lie about Colke becomes truer and truer. All lies will become truth and all truths will become lies. Your sword there," He looks to your blade, "Take my head."
"You can't die on Ysgard, and that's truth," Alicia crouches down, healing his broken hand. "Tell us what you found, what you feared."
Lay on hands can get up to 81hp so can probably manage whatever he did to his hand by punching Anty.
"I don't know," His voice is broken, "I'm not Colke. I am but I'm not. I'm a creation of that hated place. It's all a lie. My past, my motivations, everything. No...I do know one thing. This is my punishment."
"Punishment for what?" Alicia asks, keeping half an eye on the golems. Were they created by it too? What about the gorgon? Any movement in that camp?
The golems do not move. No movement in the camp.
"It's alright, if I can save you, I will," Antenora soothes.
"I don't know," Is the answer, "I don't get to know. I'm not Colke, but instead another lie."
"What does the lie serve? What was your purpose here?" Alicia asks.
She also reaches out to Tempus.
Foehammer, you know of the one named Colke who battles in your name on Ysgard?
"I remember that what I wanted was to be a Ysgardian warlord to honor Tempus," Is his answer, "It is always what I wanted from...from whatever lies were planted in me."
YES.
Do you know from whence he came and what he truly is?
"That's it? No long term goal beyond that? No direction specifically? Where did your army come from?" she asks.
...I DO NOT. THIS TROUBLES ME. WHO HAS ENGAGED IN TREACHERY AGAINST ME?
"I don't know, but I found them. One was as good as any," Colke replies at last, "I just found one and started."
"You found a swarm of golems waiting for your orders?" Alicia asks. "Or do they serve the gorgon you command?"
We believe he came from the Terminus, layer 666 of the Abyss. We've heard of other Colkes on other planes of differing appearances and aims, but believe they all came from there. The original Colke remains a mystery. As does the reason for this.
"They exist already, I simply worked my way in," Is the answer.
OPEN A PORTAL TO MY REALM AND SEND HIM THROUGH. I WILL DEAL WITH HIM PERSONALLY.
"Tempus has requested you," Alicia says. "Though your faith was a lie, I believe he will do right by you." She helps him to his feet. "I must take this amulet back however, I'll need it for any other Colkes we find."
There is no resistance, he simply rises for you to remove the amulet.
Alicia lifts it off his neck and casts a gate to Warrior's Rest. "Go," she guides him through.
Colke goes through without another word, gone.
Antenora closes her eyes, lips moving silently.
"That poor soul," Jessica finally says. "Violet would approve of his misery."
"He's doing better," Antenora notes, watching the portal. "I've made sure of it."
"We don't know the purpose but it could have been a dagger aimed at Tempus, he deserves a say," Alicia says. Then she turns to the golems guarding the camp. "Who do you take orders from?" she demands. The gorgon or whoever else remains here ought to know at least something of what happened.
"Lady Shale-Eyes," One responds, dutifully.
"Bring her here then," Alicia asks.
They bow and do so. The gorgon is clad in a heavy cloak when she approaches, the hiss of snakes heard from within. She stays a distance away and calls, "What has transpired here?"
"Colke has been summoned to Tempus," Alicia tells her bluntly. "You should continue on the expectation that he does not return."
A soft lament, a howl of pain before, "He was our chosen leader! We will collapse shortly because of this, we cannot withstand what comes without him!"
"It was necessary," Antenora says shortly, "You have my condolences, and my recommendations to take your loss with good grace."
"Such is life on Ysgard," Alicia says. "Pray that Tempus will bless you in Colke's absence. Should you be able to reach Sylica, I will grant you safe harbour."
The gorgon slumps, "Small mercy," she says, "Come, we have to regroup to move!" The golems follow her as she goes off, leaving the three of you behind.
Alicia departs in the opposite direction. "That's one. You mentioned another in Arcadia, Jessica?" she asks quietly.
"An avenger, a woman," Jessica agrees.
"A woman?" Antenora muses, "So different Colkes are different genders? Does it mean anything?"
"I think two were men and two were women. Just of the ones Jessica's heard of," Alicia answers. "All human, though?" she checks.
"Not all were specified," Is Jessica's answer, "So I don't know, sister."
"Well, which one do you have the best information on for us to find as easily as we did this one?" Alicia asks, having initially planned Arcadia for the next stop but she'll go where the trail fits best.
"The one on Hades I suspect, but that runs into the realms the Adversary can influence," Jessica points out, "The one in Acheron otherwise."
"Seems we're constantly running into him lately," Alicia says, resisting the urge to sigh. "Regardless, needs must. Where to start on Hades?"
Antenora doesn't resist the urge to sigh, nor to slowly say "If this turns sour swiftly, let us just go to Acheron. I am not in the mood to see him again soon, unless I absolutely must."
"It's a big plane, he can't be everywhere," Alicia ventures hopefully.
Antenora gives you a very long look at that, expression completely unconvinced.
"Antenora," Jessica says softly, "It's not that likely."
"I don't trust him to leave us unbothered, but it's worth the risk." Antenora explains, "However, I don't have to like it."
"In any case, Jessica. Where should I gate us to?" Alicia asks to get them back on track.
"Dallya," Jessica says, "Anywhere there will do."
Pulling her hood up, Alicia casts gate and walks on through to that location.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/6/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/16/4
Moments of prescience left: 4
It's a dark lake. A swamp. The buzz of insects, the shadow of dead trees at midnight. A thousand shapes only hinted at, underneath a sky that weeps a greasy, thick rain that sticks to your flesh and clothing more than wet it or slide off. Almost like foul smelling globs of congealed grease.
"This'll do, we need to go into the waters," Jessica says, "Grant yourself freedom of movement if you don't have it, you'll need it." She then hops into the water, swimming down.
She's been worse places, she supposes. Resigned to it, Alicia wades in after Jessica, sinking under the brackish water.
At least this way she can't feel the rain hitting her.
The water is the same greasy, thick misery. It is overwhelmingly salty, worse than seawater, more salt than liquid.
Why are all the lower planes so unpleasant, Antenora? Do fiends enjoy these environs?
Hardly. Some do, those twisted or adapted to a particular location. The majority do not. Remember, the Hells are punishments and a reflection of the souls that inhabit them. The point is misery, the point is suffering, the point is sorrow. Every native here has made choices that granted them a seat in this misery.
It consoles me, slightly.
Through the thick, salty, greasy water. Downwards, deeper in and deeper. The bottom of the lake is riddled with cave entrances, Jessica swims down towards one of many.
Slightly?
Never forget that every soul that suffers here is also a tragedy. Imagine how much brighter the Heavens would shine if even one in a thousand of the damned had chosen otherwise, had applied their gifts to the paths of the righteous. Imagine if the Adversary turned his talents towards noble goals, imagine the benefits from merely his aid and abilities serving a righteous cause, and then the changes that would come forth from that one difference.
No, even the lowliest lemure is a tragedy, because they could have been so much more. When I see a dark god or a fiendish lord, I rail against them for every sin they have committed, and yet I also mourn the tragedy that is all their great gifts, wasted to the last.
Alicia swims along easily through the miserable water, following Jessica.
If only more of them suffered from sins of sloth rather than being so talented and industrious towards miserable aims.
Antenora cracks a smile even as you head into the cave.
If only.
There's not much else to say, so into the cave under Jessica's direction.
Once you enter the cave, dry land. The water stops. Jessica lands on her feet and walks forward, the barest effort of divine will cleansing her body. Antenora does the same once Jessica does and follows.
Is there danger here?
Jessica shakes her head before she responds.
'Not directly,' she switches to telepathy. 'If the walls grow eyes, ignore them. If the walls grow ears, ignore them. If the walls grow tongues, ignore them. If the wall grows...male parts, ignore them. Same with female parts.'
Silence save for footsteps.
A flesh mage?
'That's my presumption.' Jessica agrees, 'It's not erotic, just uncontrolled. Like muscle spasms.'
A moment later, an eye bigger than your head appears right above Alicia, bulging out of the ceiling and staring at her. From the middle of the pupil a dangling hand grows out, reaching in vain for Alicia's hair.
Alicia pulls her hood back over her head after she cleanses and dries herself, trusting Jessica's advice and ignoring the eye as she steps quickly past the reach of that grasping hand.
Onward. You ignore various body parts and come to a larger cavern. Here a city of tents can be seen, a riot of darkened colors. Daemons walk openly here, the faraway walls and ceiling flailing with various bodily parts.
"This way," Jessica murmurs, hood up as is Antenora's. "If someone meets your gaze, lower your head and accept their superiority or strike them down on the spot for their arrogance. The choice is yours."
"Point of the hood is to hide our gazes anyway," Alicia says, face shadowed. She doesn't want to pick any pointless fights here but she's not about to accept a daemon's superiority either.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d100=75]
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 92 > [d100=92]
You walk amid the bustling, near silent movements. Past ancient tents that stink of death, past puddles of liquids foul as any poison. Then - "You." A huge, hulking, green thing with four arms. A Nycaloth. It wears only a loincloth that does nothing to hide his masculinity, Antenora turning her gaze at least a little more upwards. It blocks Antenora's way, "Meet my gaze, bitch." His body ripples with muscles, each of his arms ending in wicked, hooked claws. Its face reminds you of a gargoyle, inhuman and with eyes that glow a dull gray.
"That," Antenora speaks softly, "Would be the final mistake of your life. We haven't met eyes yet. Run and hide while you still can."
Do nycaloths usually have less than 200hp? Take 10 for 71 on planes.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/6/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/16/4
Moments of prescience left: 4
Usually, but any particular one who chooses high hit dice gestalting, takes toughness or otherwise improves it can easily slip over. So it's a gamble.
Alicia elects to let Antenora handle this rather than risk using a spell that does nothing and will only inflame feelings of fiendish superiority that must then be violently disabused.
> roll 1d20+65
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=13]
Intimidation by Antenora.
Something in Antenora's voice makes the daemon pause. It laughs long and loud, but there's an undercurrent to it, of nerves. "You think you can-"
Antenora begins to look up - and that makes the daemon step back. A pause and then he turns, hurrying away.
"Idiot," Alicia mutters under her breath after he flees.
Jessica cracks a smile. 'So many vows, but none against calling an idiot an idiot?'
Antenora merely heads along and sends, 'Before he decides to come back with friends in an ill advised attempt to salvage his shattered pride.'
Honesty is a virtue, sister.
In any case they're still following Jessica's lead to track down this warlock, so wherever she wants to take them works.
Is that a license to be catty, sister? The Paladins of the Scornful Gaze and Sharp Word?
Meanwhile Jessica leads you to one particular tent. Once perhaps a bright green, it's now faded into a dull green-gray color. Quite large, the entrance tall enough so you can open without kneeling. "In here," Jessica murmurs aloud, entering without fear.
Inside is a large space - cluttered and filthy, the scent of human waste in the air. Chained to the canvas walls are several barbazu, screaming weakly - for in their open mouths you see no tongues. Just a dull noise comes from their screams. Sitting atop a mound of old, filthy books and papers is a gnarled old man, skin a dull, lifeless gray and beard the same color, long enough to reach his knees. His hands massage and knead that beard, hands swollen thick with arthritis. He wears tattered clothes - a hole ridden tunic, a dull brown skirt of all things and a heavy, almost new fur cap.
"Where is Colke?" Jessica asks without preamble, hand on the hilt of her rapier.
The old man looks up and smiles, "A realm known as Elysium."
Antenora takes 10 on Sense Motive for 64.
"No. Speak the truth," Antenora commands, "Now."
> roll 1d20+21
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=20]
Well that's unfortunate.
"Foolish little chickadee, foolish little sparrow, foolish little dog. There is no truth." The old man declares. "Only what we decide and make so, for we are all kings."
Jessica pushes back her hood and meets the old man's gaze.
> roll 1d20+64 (+15 divine insight) Jessica Intimidate
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=14]
The old man shrieks and holds his hands up, then drags dirty, long nails across his face. Blood begins to pour down from his rent cheeks as he howls, "GET AWAY! I AM KING HERE!"
Jessica hops up and repeats herself, leaning down to loom over him and yet get over his face. "Where. Is. Colke?"
"COLKE HAS TAKEN HER PRIZE TO THE WEEPING BANNER! THE FLAG! THE BANNER OF A CRYING WOMAN! THAT IS ITS SIGIL!" He howls those words out, nails next drawing blood from his chest, ripping into himself.
Any knowledge check to make sense of that?
Specify which part, but almost certainly K:P.
This part in particular: WEEPING BANNER! THE FLAG! THE BANNER OF A CRYING WOMAN! THAT IS ITS SIGIL!
[19:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+61+15 divine insight
[19:02] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=2]
It rings the dimmest bell - a tent with a banner here, said to be the home of a particularly powerful fiend. It's so specialized that you don't know much except that something like that should be here.
"Good enough," Jessica says, turning away and hopping off the pile of books and papers. She heads out without another word.
Well she probably saw it just a minute ago! Alicia mutely follows Jessica out and looks to see if she can spot said banner properly.
With divine sight it's quite easy. It's a ways away, but you can see just that banner. Jessica looks up towards it while...
Then our goal is clear. Forward.
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d100=34]
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d100=61]
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d100=41]
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d100=88]
> roll 1d100
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d100=38]
You walk onward. Past daemons and other things. A twisted being of shadows - it glances at you. Monstrous. A gloom? A shadow killer. You see it only a moment, mouth far too large.
Ahead.
The tent is ahead. A very large one, a dulled light blue color that is stained with rusty splotches.
Alicia glances back at the gloom, recalling the one Morwel mentioned.
But this is just a normal one, right?
...right?
Any way to tell?
Give me Perception real quick.
[20:12] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87+15 divine insight
[20:12] <Penuche> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 119 > [d20=17]
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/6/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/16/4
Moments of prescience left: 4
It doesn't feel divine or look divine to you. Perhaps truly just a horror and nothing more.
Sadly there are many glooms after all.
Just as there are many humans, but Alicia still looks distinctive among them.
Anyway, she'll barge into this dull blue tent looking for Colke.
Absolute silence reigns in this tent.
Within this tent are cages. Man sized cages that hang from the tall ceiling, held by hands that come out from the rough canvas. In each cage is a creature - hidden by black silk curtains draped just inside each cage. Your enhanced senses can tell each one varies wildly in size. Some are humanoid, some are animal and some are monstrous.
From the ground rises a hand, large enough to sit on. Here a woman sits in red and golden robes. Red with golden patterns and swirls, seemingly without pattern, shape or meaning. Her hair is black and tied in a severe up bun, kept well out of the way with several sticks of ivory, or perhaps simply bone. She sits there, hands in lap and with a perfect, painted white face. No expression, only ruby red lips and eyes of matching red.
"Let it be known you came here of your own free will."
The woman's voice is wrong. It comes from within your minds instead of from outside. You hear it as if spoken without a sound being heard.
"Let it be known that you step into damnation of your own free will."
Antenora is not fazed. She holds her ground, as does Jessica. Jessica steps forward even, and declares, "You speak of things you know nothing of. We seek Colke."
Now you speak of things you know nothing of. Atone in agony.
The woman raises her hand, a dull brown color around it. You can tell what this is with ease - a maximized, empowered horrid wilting with added unholy power. A curse - whomever is injured by this spell will find any water they drink to turn to dust when it touches their lips, dooming them to die of thirst.
I'm assuming since darkviolet rather than purple it's not actually Shar here.As fancy as it is, it's still a horrid wilting at the end of the day, and thus can be counterspelled by the same even if Alicia doesn't tack anything extra onto her version.
Given supreme init I should be able to act before her and counterspell it, so that's what I'm doing."Forgive our intrusion, but I'll stop the next curse far more violently," Alicia warns, hand raised up after performing her counterspell.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/6/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Correct, it is not Shar's violet.The spell crumbles to dust, countered and undone by your own magic. The woman withdraws her hand back sharply, cradling it as if struck.
Antenora has her own spear in hand. Nothing is said, but it is ready, blue light from it turning everything here opal blue, as if stained by that color in even, symmetrical bands.
The woman howls, a low but endless hiss of pain. The sound of it echos within your minds, unspoken and yet heard.
Holy! The power of the holy!
"One more time," Jessica begins, voice low, "Where is Colke?"
> roll 1d20+61 Antenora intimidate
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 79 > [d20=18]The cry of pain becomes louder, deeper.
I am Colke!
Is she wearing any kind of magical amulet that I can see with arcane sight?
[16:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+42 CL if needed
[16:19] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=5]
She is not.
"Wear this and we'll find the truth," Alicia says, striding forward as she forces the greater gemstone of truth around her neck as she did with the last Colke.
That howl becomes even louder as she desperately tries to dodge, rising up as you come in with the necklace.
CMB, she resists.
[16:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+63
[16:33] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=9]
It's a struggle - but you're just fast enough. The necklace is placed around Colke's neck.
The scream becomes louder, masculine.
'This isn't what happened last time!' Antenora sends to you, moving forward, but it's too late.
A tremendous impact, a raw force slamming into you like a dragon's body check, rushing out from the woman as she claws at her neck, blood glistening from her futile efforts to remove it. Were you less than you were, death would be a mercy. Yet all of you stand against this force as before your eyes, the woman transforms. The tent bursts open above, hands and body parts flying from the rent fabric.
Before you it rises, taller than a titan. The beautiful and profane angel that resists on 666 rises up with a cry of pain and fury, even as the necklace stays tight around his neck.
Antenora lowers her arms, used to shield her face. Spear in hand now, glowing bright as a star, "What did you do to Colke?" she demands.
Around you the tent falls in sundered pieces, cages crashing down and fabric bursting aflame with dark, violet fires. Outside yugoloths howl, as if wolves baying in dreadful terror, as the angel looms above this accursed place.
Was this one invested with more of 666's power?
"What are you doing here?!" Alicia demands, readying her own blade out from under her cloak, subtlety a lost cause now, the concealing black garment flaring back under the forces at play here, hood blown off to expose her face.
Jessica steps forward as well, rapier drawn as the purple flames spread. Your answer is a cry of fury as...
Init.
Supreme init, DvR 5.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/6/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/22/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Go for it. I'll resolve init after your turn.
She got these for Shar, but what might they do for something tied to 666? May as well get use of them. Sword held aside in one hand, Alicia rapidly casts true strike and then withdraws the scissors from her belt to stab into the vastly overgrown figure's shin!
[17:22] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+90
[17:22] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 108 > [d20=18]
[17:23] <@Ebiris> roll 1d6+25
[17:23] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d6=3]
Scissors of Unbinding: These scissors seem capable undoing unnatural bonds, all it takes it to cut something (or a creature/object if it's something that isn't visible or present to cut). Treat these scissors as an exotic weapon that deals 1d6 points of damage, has a +8 enhancement bonus and a dread weapon against Sharrans.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/6/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
The scissors stab into the angel's ankle - and with a keening cry it collapses. Colke lies there, robes bloodied and herself once more, back to human size.
Free act, that was well chosen.
How circular. They went to 666 to find a weapon against Shar, abandoned it and made their own, and now that same weapon sees use against 666.
Alicia tucks the scissors away and lifts Colke up by the arm. "We should move to somewhere more quiet," she tells Jessica and Antenora, not wanting to linger here after such a dramatic display.
As flames spread, "Somewhere holier," Antenora agrees, "Somewhere proof against 666."
Jessica agrees with a quick nod before, "Swiftly, the natives are stirred."
Alicia casts a gate to the shores of Mount Celestia then and simply drags 'Colke' through, carrying her above the holy waters so she isn't needlessly burned.
It feels a bit of a shame not to simply bring her home to Sylica, but the light of Chronias which shines down on them represents truth to such a powerful degree she deems it their best bet.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/5/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
The light is bright, intense. You all step through, the greasiness of that foul rain gone from your bodies. Colke continues to howl even now, hiding her face from the light above.
"Now we'll have the truth out of you," Alicia says over that howling, standing so she's frame in that light above 'Colke', her shadow offering the barest refuge. "Who are you, really?"
In this light the woman resists - and begins to cry. Her anger falls into sorrows, "I don't want to die," the woman howls, "I want to live! I don't want to make the lie into a truth!"
"What lie?" Alicia presses. "You need to tell us or we can't help you."
Antenora is there next to her, silent but watching.
"This lie...as long as I live, it becomes more true." Is her answer. "About Colke."
"What is Colke, then?" Alicia asks.
"I don't know! I had to flee after it happened," Is her answer, "I had to go and do this. I had to."
"Then what happened? What are you being made to do?" Alicia asks, still no clearer on any of this.
"We found what we feared," Colke says, voice growing less and less expressive by the moment.
"Who's 'we'?"
This is like pulling teeth!
"All of us. All of that are supposed to be Colke but aren't," Is her answer. "There's so many of us. We found...we found...there's no truth. There's nothing there."
"Where did you come from? Did you know each other? Did you know the real Colke, if there was one?" Alicia asks.
"We came from there. 666," Is the answer, "I'm not sure anymore. Was there a real one? I think so, but..." Her expression becomes exhausted, "We found what we feared. We feared there was nothing, that everything was ultimately a lie."
"I meant originally. Did you reach 666 from somewhere else or were you born there?" Alicia clarifies.
"I went there. I sought it," Colke says, "Why I'm not entirely clear, but I needed to find out. I needed to find out if I was right and everything is a lie."
"Am I a lie? Is this a lie?" Alicia steps aside so the light of Chronias can shine down fully.
The answer is a wail of pain, fear and terror.
"Nothing here is a lie," Antenora comes to her, "Renounce your error. Come to us." She gestures higher and then offers her hand to Colke, "Save yourself."
Charisma check, both you and Antenora. +7 bonus.
[19:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+30
[19:57] <Penuche2> Ebiris invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+26 Antenora
<Penuche2> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d20=1]
Not Antenora's day. Upside, it should be +2 more for divine rank so a total of 29 instead.
"You...you're real." Is the answer at last, looking up at Alicia. "You're not a lie, are you?"
"I'm not," Alicia asserts her truth as confidently as one who's stood outside of Creation and declared her being against the Beyond can, extending a hand down as Antenora did.
"The power of 666 is lies, and it is a fearsome power. But I exist. I am real and true and I am."
Your hand is taken. In that moment Colke seems to tear herself asunder - as if coming undone.
Yet the light of Chronias shines brightly.
A shaking, nude woman stands before you, as if the Colke before was broken away and crumbled to dust in the sea. She collapses against you as you hold her, breathing heavily. She has hair as wispy-white as an old man's, yet is youthful. An adult, perhaps 18 to 20 years old.
Alicia creates a simple white cotton shift around the woman's figure for the sake of her modesty. "Do you know who you are?" she asks, holding her now.
"No one. I'm no one," The woman answers slowly, "No one at all."
"Then what do you remember?" Alicia tries, hoping some kind of insight will result from all this drama.
"I'm nothing. A lie. I a lie created in 666." Is her answer, quietly whispered to you. "Colke found what he feared, that everything was a lie. That there was no greater purpose to anything. That nothing in this Creation matters, except to be torn down."
"Then why do you exist?"
"To destroy. To hurt the world and hurt Colke," Is her answer. "To destroy what is true and make what is a lie true. It...the...the thing down there, the monster, wants nothing more than that. It is resigned to it. I saw its face, it hates us but sees fighting as pointless. It is...no. No. Don't make me speak his name. Even now it burns in my mind. Mercy, please!"
Antenora steps forward. "That name has no power here. Look to Alicia. Look to myself. Look to the light above." Antenora reaches out as you hold her, gently guiding her head to look at you, her and finally above.
A tremendous, teary shudder. Silent weeping. Yet she speaks with clarity now. "He wants to destroy, to hurt the world. To hurt Colke is merely a benefit, a bonus. His malice consumes him, never have I seen a look of such hate. More than that, he is resigned to his malice and hate. As much as he hates us, he sees no point in bloodshed. All will be destroyed. Every truth will be destroyed into a lie, and in a mockery, every lie will become true. It will all be swallowed and destroyed in the end. That is his purpose, what little meaning he has."
"Then who is the real Colke? Where are they?" Alicia asks, letting Antenora take over in holding the mysterious Abyss-spawned woman.
"Still there," Is the answer you get. "Still there, I think."
"You think? Tell me what you know about them," Alicia asks. Theoretically going to liberate Colke from there is at least providing some direction for this strange goose chase.
You mean Colke by them, right?
Yes, because I don't know if Colke is a man or a woman so neutral pronouns are being used.
Okay.
"Colke came to 666 and found his fears were true," Is the answer, "The thing there sent us out, to hurt and destroy. Each of us a like about Colke, but one that can become more and more real. Lies with will hurt Creation, that will harm and undermine."
"What makes Colke so special to it that he forms the template like this?" Alicia asks.
And now I can use male pronouns!
"He came to 666 without sufficient willpower and strength of character," Is the woman's answer, "Without it, he succumbed."
"Without something to stay to, be it our truths or Malcanthet's self possessed interests, or Kina-ja's need for revenge." Jessica reflects, "Without that, how can you withstand something that would change you so completely? How could you resist a lie that insisted it was the truth?"
So he was special in that he wasn't special? "Do you know who the other false Colkes are? Where they were sent?"
"Yes," Is the answer, "One to Arcadia, one to Ysgard, one to Limbo, one to Acheron and one to the Prime."
"The Ysgard one has been found, tell us about the others," Alicia asks.
"The Colke in Arcadia is an avenger," she explains, "But everything she avenges will make things worse.The one on Limbo will bring changes, but every change will be for the worse. A wild mage who will seed nothing but misery. The one in Acheron will wage war, but every war will corrode the plane. Finally, the Colke in the Prime will bring revolution, but a revolution of demon worship and destruction. Each is a lie that must not be, each will lead to horrible lies becoming true."
"What was the one on Ysgard going to do then?" she feels curious enough to ask now that the goals are laid bare. Tempus might like to know.
"Destroy leaders, ensure they were stopped from becoming powerful warriors." Is the a nswer, "Weaken Ysgard in Tempus's name. Insult and weaken Tempus, set him back."
Well, he was probably in the set up phase since there weren't yet any clues of that. "I see. The one on the prime, do you know where specifically? Which prime?"
"A world with a city called Balmuria." Is the answer, "A man there in particular, a military commander. A symbol of power for newly risen deiti..." she pauses, looking up at you with surprise.
"Yes, that's hitting a bit close to home," Alicia agrees dryly. "Very well, we'll take care of these extras and find the original as well. Which just leaves you..."
The woman looks up - no argument with that, merely awaiting your words.
"Don't be afraid," Antenora says, "You're a victim. We won't punish you for being a victim."
"Indeed, I was inviting your own thoughts," Alicia admits. "But..." she steps back and looks up at the light of Chronias. "That light was your deliverance as much as we. So I give you a simple charge, to climb the mountain and seek it. Find the truth."
Be not afraid.
Not even 666 will reach you here.
Your words make the woman nod deeply to you and manage to stand, then bow. The soft words of Zaphkiel make her turn and begin to stride forward. Off towards Celestia she goes, the first steps taken onto the beaches of Lunia.
"Lord Zaphkiel?" Jessica murmurs quietly as she goes.
You all did well to bring her here.
All of evil is ultimately negation and destruction, to rebel against what is right. Without good, evil cannot exist, but good does not need evil to exist. Where lies ultimate truth, the opposite must be the ultimate lies.
"It's all a trick," Alicia whispers ruefully.
I should have just asked you to begin with, but I don't like to be over-reliant. The 666th layer is no tool of the Incarnations, is it?
Your desire to stand on your own and learn is a credit to you. Should I feel the need to speak up for your sake, I will.
It is not, but it is closer than other things in Creation, just as Chronias is closer.
There are no glories there, no promises of a perfect eternity. All that lies there is hatred, loathing and the defeated acceptance of that sole keeper of the realm. He knows he's lost, hasn't he? He knows he made the wrong choice. All he can do is lie and try to desperately make what is wrong correct.
Even my counterpart knows that in his heart. The darkest evil is that which accepts darkness in place of the light and seeks to spread. Baator is the ultimate expression of his conclusion and his false Answer. You understood this anew when you spoke of the glories if even one in a thousand could be saved that would otherwise be damned.
Shall we slay him? It is bad enough we have to cooperate with evil that can at last recognize that we must stop Ao.
You may try, but know his power is extreme. He will fight you with every lie that has can make true. You very natures may change as you battle him, as his power alters reality. The Abyss itself will not take his death lightly, and will oppose your efforts. Demon princes will be birthed as you battle, new horrors created to destroy you, and the designs of the Abyss will strive to bring great evils to challenge you as you fight on.
Oh, by the way did the gemstone of truth drop when Colke melted away or is it gone now? Presuming it's not on the woman since she was described as naked but if she had it I'd have taken it back before sending her off!
If nothing else, we need to resolve these false Colkes and rescue the original. Whether it becomes a fight to the death or not, we'll see... but we have to go back there.
It dropped and is there to be taken, safe and sound.
Hone yourselves on this challenge.
Antenora bows her head in thought as she levitates the pendant into her hand. She studies it silently until she speaks.
He is not wholly malicious, but...
Jessica turns her head to Antenora and speaks aloud. "Hm?"
"The Man of the Winds," Antenora answers. "Our success was due to his gift. A fiend that has seen the heart of evil and rejects it. A contradiction. He wants us to kill what lies in 666." With a scowl, "If we go that far, let's ensure we're ready to swiftly dispatch him if he has airs that he'll take over 666."
"We'll see. If not him another will, the Abyss abhors a vacuum," Alicia says. "But there's a reason I'm only using this gem for matters pertaining to 666. Lets return to Sylica for now," she opens a gate to do so.
Now then, has she heard of any Colkes in Balmuria from recent prayers or the like?
You have not.
Once they're safely back in Sylica? "I think for 666 itself, we shouldn't tempt fate by going in force. Myself with that gem for protection and Antenora with her innate dominion over truth are probably best. Although we shouldn't let those other Colkes run free so in the meantime everyone else can work on detaining them."
"It'll still be dangerous," Antenora agrees, "But I agree. It's best that way."
"I'll see to it with the others, sister," Jessica seconds, "Call us if you need us."
"And the same, although I hope you won't have much trouble - especially not if we're distracting the focus in the Abyss," Alicia says to Jessica before turning to Antenora. "Ready? We'll do our typical approach - though I worry it may be predictable enough by now we'll encounter trouble before we even make it to 666."
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/4/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
"Ready," Antenora agrees, "Nonetheless, if it works, it works."
Thus the pair of them plane shift to the astral plane, turn invisible, and then she opens a gate to outside the castle that holds the entrance to layer 666. This time she aims a few miles away rather than right outside - though she wonders if that battle is still ongoing. Either way, she can at least vary it up a little bit.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +87
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/3/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Right now, there is no battle. There is only an unearthly silence, as broken bodies and gear are so thickly laid out as to hide the ground.
Had to end eventually. But did one of the participants win, did they simply stop by mutual consent, or did someone else come in and smash them all?
It should've been big enough for divine senses to tell me, since I could perceive it the first time.
It ended all at once - a massive sword larger than a nation cleaved through them all, and simply put the battle to an end.
Is that Tempus? Has he come here to lay down the law?
Can she tell?
It is not Tempus. You check your senses further - it is the celestial from 666. A vast thing, there for just a moment, a swipe ending the war once and for all.
When did that happen? Around the same time as she stabbed the fake Colke in Hades?
Checking - yes, precisely the same time.
"We're doubtlessly expected," Alicia murmurs, sticking close to Antenora as they invisibly fly towards and over the ruined battlefield and enter the castle, retracing their steps to enter the 666th layer of the Abyss.
"I was afraid of that," Antenora says, "We've gotten his attention."
Yet as you fly...Perception.
[20:07] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+88 perception
[20:07] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+88 perception --> [ 1d20=13 ]{101}
Also note:
The wearer sees through all illusions short of deific illusions, and gains a +10 competence bonus to any saving throw against them, and is entitled to one whenever he first sees such an illusion, as if he actively disbelieved the illusion.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/3/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
A feeling. The greater gem of truth grows warm against your chest. The air above the castle stirs as you approach.
Antenora immediately stops her flight, Black Horn Spear brandished. "Beware!" she cries. It is an eye, bigger than you and Antenora put together. An green eye, watching you with steady intent. Before your eyes legs form below it to support atop the castle. Each leg is a being, a twisted nalfeshnee warped into the shape of a leg. Distorted, packed together, stretched out like taffy. So thin it's semi transparent, the legs showing the blood and viscera within the demons.
Arms, much the same as legs, stretch out from the eye's sides. Six in total.
Finally, a head emerges. A mass of lumpy purple flesh, slowly molded by unseen forces into the rough shape of a head. A halo of acid sizzles in the air above it.
'ForbiddenFORBIDDENFORBIDDEN!'
Words thunder in your mind, pounding against your skull like Latha hammering a sword into shape.
Looks like the fun will start before they even reach 666.
"I'm afraid we must insist," she says, shedding her invisibility as no longer worth anything, sword now held before her.
The eye grows, larger and larger by the second. More legs come from it, strands of thick, fibrous tissue interconnecting the legs, drilling into them with a bone grinding noise.
Antenora raises her spear up as it erupts with opal blue light, then levels it at the demon before you.
A tremendous shudder.
A cry that seems to Creation itself weeping and gnashing its teeth.
Fractures. The world around you begins to fracture like glass, sharp lines running through all save the two of you.
There is no formal challenge from the newly birthed horror. There is only a cascade of sharp lines that erupt towards you and Antenora.
Init. You have supreme init so go first.
Distance to it?
Can I detect any spells on it with arcane sight?
[01:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+42 CL if needed
[01:19] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+42 CL if needed --> [ 1d20=18 ]{60}
If it's not yet in range of arcane sight hold onto that roll for when I do get close enough I suppose.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/3/8/5/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
200ft.
Go ahead and begin your action and I'll adjudicate this when you do get in range.
Alicia flies closer, deciding to play this one cautiously rather than going all out attack from the outset.
Flying 80 feet with my move action, the rest pending what I see with arcane sight.
It has no spells on it.
Perhaps she should have just gone all out on the attack? Well, she'll assault it with spells to try and soften it up from here, launching first a blast of radiant sunlight which is followed by a dizzying wave of coruscating rainbow colours!
Sunlance and quickened radiant assault.
[16:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+62 ranged touch on sunlance
[16:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+62 ranged touch on sunlance --> [ 1d20=9 ]{71}
[16:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+44 SR
[16:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+44 SR --> [ 1d20=2 ]{46}
[16:32] <@Ebiris> roll 30d6 if that hit
[16:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 30d6 if that hit --> [ 30d6=84 ]{84}
[16:32] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6 splash damage
[16:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6 splash damage --> [ 6d6=21 ]{21}
DC 39 ref, halves the 21 damage and negates blindness
[16:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+44 SR for radiant assault
[16:33] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+44 SR for radiant assault --> [ 1d20=11 ]{55}
[16:33] <@Ebiris> roll 15d6
[16:33] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 15d6 --> [ 15d6=73 ]{73}
[16:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d6 debuff duration
[16:34] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d6 debuff duration --> [ 1d6=2 ]{2}
DC 35 will halves the damage, dazed 2 rounds if save failed, dazzled 2 rounds if save passed.
Alicia HP: 854+20/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/2/8/4/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
The sunlance is hurled and hits the eye, only to break against it. The light splinters away as your radiant assault follows.
> roll 1d20+30
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+30 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{46}
The eye is struck by the burst of light, the center mass of it dazzled and covered in light a few moments. But little more, the beast far from any sort of normal demon.
That it for you?
That'll do for me.
> roll 1d20+14 Antenora
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Antenora --> [ 1d20=9 ]{23}
> roll 1d20+12 horror
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 horror --> [ 1d20=12 ]{24}
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Eye Horror (24) > Antenora (23)
The cracks fester and spread, all around reality and the two of you, as crack lines try to encroach on both yourself and Antenora.
Two Fort saves, Alicia.
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 2#1d20+80 improved mettle
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2#1d20+80 improved mettle --> [ 1d20=10 ]{90}, [ 1d20=20 ]{100}
> roll 1d20+67 mettle
> roll 1d20+67 mettle
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+67 mettle --> [ 1d20=10 ]{77}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+67 mettle --> [ 1d20=3 ]{70}
Yet both of you stand true. Those cracks do not touch you, they fade away as you endure a feeling of being splintered all over. Instead you are unharmed - as the center eye glows acid green, before a great, river sized jet of it comes forth, engulfing you utterly.
Reflex save. Note that half of this is unholy damage so you'll take some even if you're acid immune.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959+20/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 42/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 13/13 Channel Energy 18/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 25/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+145+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
[18:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+75 ref saves my one weakness
[18:05] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+75 ref saves my one weakness --> [ 1d20=14 ]{89}
Made the save.
A base of 300 acid damage and 300 unholy damage before the save and any immunities come into play. What's your HP after that?
I'm guessing save half?
574/854
Alicia HP: 574/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/2/8/4/6/7/7/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/7/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Correct.
Acid and agony. It eats at you, unholy power twisting your flesh, rivulets of it ruined and broken. The pain of is sublime for seconds, then nothing as nerves are eaten away. Yet you endure it as you hold - and Antenora streaks past you, an opal blue blur as she charges at the nightmare that challenges both of you.
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+75 (+4 charge, +7 Alicia, +18 furious strike, +15 smite evil, +1 haste, divine might used, -30 PA) --> [ 1d20=14 ]{89}
> roll 258*3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 258*3 --> {774}
> roll 1d8+774+2d6+2d6+4d6+10d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8+774+2d6+2d6+4d6+10d6 --> [ 1d8=8 2d6=10 2d6=11 4d6=16 10d6=26 ]{845}
In a moment Antenora has closed the distance. Her spear plunges into it, cracks of opal blue light cascading thorugh the eye. The nalfeshnee that make its legs howl in unfettered agony, but they do not yield. Instead with a cry of inhuman pain, a greater cascade of cracks erupt around Antenora.
> roll 4#1d20+67 mettle
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 4#1d20+67 mettle --> [ 1d20=3 ]{70}, [ 1d20=4 ]{71}, [ 1d20=8 ]{75}, [ 1d20=8 ]{75}
Yet Antenora stays true and endures. She does not yield as meanwhile? Even in your fading pain you can sense it below. Movement. The gemstone on your chest grows warm again. A ripple beneath you, near the castle. Human sized this time at least, but a dull black. A gargoyle like creature begins to form, wings fanning out around it - hundreds of feet, the wings impossibly long. They scythe through whatever blocks them - stone, metal, bone. Nothing stops them, severed apart completely.
Joining init.
> roll 1d20+18 gargoyle
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 gargoyle --> [ 1d20=11 ]{29}
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Gargoyle? (29) > Eye Horror (24) > Antenora (23)
Go.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959+20/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 41/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 12/13 Channel Energy 17/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 24/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+145+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Alright, it's time for Alicia to stop playing around! Distorting space so she can move to between the gargoyle and the combination-eye-horror, Alicia grows to a size that exceeds both and then slices out with her twin holy blades to deadly effect.
Free action to compress space, five foot step, swift to go colossal, then full attack.
[19:08] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:08] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=12 ]{111}
[19:08] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=9 ]{108}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=9 ]{108}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=8 ]{107}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=19 ]{113}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=19 ]{113}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=3 ]{92}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=17 ]{106}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=19 ]{103}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=15 ]{99}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 crit check for 113
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+94 crit check for 113 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{102}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 crit check for 113
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+94 crit check for 113 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{112}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 crit check for 106
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+89 crit check for 106 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{105}
[19:09] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 crit check for 103
[19:09] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+84 crit check for 103 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{94}
[19:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+49 vampiric touch SR
[19:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+49 vampiric touch SR --> [ 1d20=14 ]{63}
[19:11] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120
[19:11] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 --> [ 6d6=19 2d6=4 3d6=10 14d4=37 ]{235}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120
[19:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 --> [ 6d6=20 2d6=5 3d6=10 14d4=30 ]{230}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120
[19:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 --> [ 6d6=22 2d6=7 3d6=11 14d4=35 ]{240}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120
[19:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 --> [ 6d6=25 2d6=5 3d6=8 14d4=36 ]{239}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+240 if 113/102 was a crit
[19:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+240 if 113/102 was a crit --> [ 12d6=38 2d6=9 6d6=17 14d4=34 ]{428}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 if not
[19:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 if not --> [ 6d6=18 2d6=6 3d6=9 14d4=36 ]{234}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+240 if 113/112 was a crit
[19:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+240 if 113/112 was a crit --> [ 12d6=50 2d6=8 6d6=23 14d4=35 ]{446}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 if not
[19:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 if not --> [ 6d6=16 2d6=9 3d6=12 14d4=34 ]{236}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120
[19:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 --> [ 6d6=24 2d6=8 3d6=16 14d4=38 ]{251}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+240 if 106/105 was a crit
[19:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+240 if 106/105 was a crit --> [ 12d6=48 2d6=10 6d6=27 14d4=35 ]{450}
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 if not
[19:13] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 if not --> [ 6d6=25 2d6=9 3d6=7 14d4=33 ]{239}
[19:13] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+240 if 103/94 was a crit
[19:13] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+240 if 103/94 was a crit --> [ 12d6=42 2d6=7 6d6=18 14d4=33 ]{430}
[19:13] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 if not
[19:13] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 if not --> [ 6d6=19 2d6=7 3d6=17 14d4=37 ]{245}
[19:28] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120
[19:28] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 --> [ 6d6=15 2d6=5 3d6=5 14d4=27 ]{217}
Each hit inflicts a negative level, 2 on the crits. Alicia will commence attacks on the gargoyle and swap to the eye horror when it drops.
Alicia HP: 574+240/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/2/8/4/6/7/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Alicia's blade is indeed deadly. It takes five swings, but the gargoyle is cut in half. Hard as diamond but you cleave it from head to legs, two halves falling apart. Its wings fall, cutting into the ground and plunging there, narrow canyons made with no end of them in sight, no bottom glimpsed. You turn on the eye and slash it - several times, blooding it yet more. Cracks erupt around you like a tempest, but you're too strong now. You endure them and slash it open, weeping ichor from those wounds.
But in that moment it falls back, as...
HP now? Matters for something.
870+240/1150
Also I have absurd reach so will AoO if it provokes by moving.
Alicia HP: 870+240/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/2/8/4/6/7/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Go for it.
[13:15] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+103 aoo blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[13:15] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+103 aoo blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=10 ]{113}
[13:16] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+62+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 and a negative level
[13:16] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+62+2d6+3d6+14d4+120 and a negative level --> [ 6d6=19 2d6=10 3d6=11 14d4=32 ]{254}
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Eye Horror (24) > Antenora (23)
Eye is unable to take its turn.
The follow up impales the eye anew as it falls, ripping a hole in it. Antenora flies back to your side, succor mending the acidic burns that plague your body.
220 points of healing to you. Antenora's done, she's just positioning and tending to your wounds this round, since odds are you smack things hard next round and she can clean up as needed.
Warmth. The gemstone of truth draws your gaze to the eye. The pupil opens up, a mouth larger than Hanna opening wide within it. Shiny white teeth can be seen within as from it another emerges. A man, tall and fully formed. A body of muscle and raw power, dripping with strange, globby fluids. He has no hair whatsoever and skin the color of rotted meat. His head is bowed, no sign of awareness of movement. A slender umbilical cord of solid metal connects him to something deeper within the eye.
The man holds his hand out. In his hand a spear of the globby fluid that drips off him forms, yet stays solid. The haft of the spear has its own umbilical cord, connecting below into the eye as well.
"Madness," Antenora declares, "We will not suffer you to live, nightmare, unless you turn away from this evil."
Will saves negated by divine immunities. Your lucky day.
> roll 1d20+18 spear
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+18 spear --> [ 1d20=4 ]{22}
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Faranos (Fell Hunter) > Eye Horror (24) > Antenora (23) > Spear (22)
Go.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959+20/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 12/13 Channel Energy 17/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 24/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+145+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
"Whatever that eye spawns should not be trusted," Alicia warns, although out of curiosity she sends a beam of silver fire curving past man and spear to cut through those cables to see what result that has.
[17:18] <@Ebiris> roll 40d10 DC 51 ref half
[17:18] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 40d10 DC 51 ref half --> [ 40d10=243 ]{243}
Just hitting the umbilical cords with this, swifts pending the result.
Alicia HP: 1150+240/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/2/8/4/6/7/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
> roll 1d20+53 improved evasion man
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+53 improved evasion man --> [ 1d20=2 ]{55}
> roll 1d20+12 spear
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 spear --> [ 1d20=7 ]{19}
The silver fire somehow misses the man's cord. He moves inhumanly fast, blurring out of the way and dragging the cord along. The spear barely reacts, following but not that fast. The blast severs the cord entirely, rich purple blood spraying from the broken cord as it flops back down. The spear begins to convulse, entire body in turmoil.
Alicia hums to herself and then sends a pair of green rays lancing out at the wire trailing behind the fast-dodging man.
Quickened limited wish disintegrate x2. Obviously if the first kills it then no need for the second.
[17:52] <@Ebiris> roll 2#1d20+53 ranged touch
[17:52] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2#1d20+53 ranged touch --> [ 1d20=17 ]{70}, [ 1d20=6 ]{59}
[17:53] <@Ebiris> roll 2#1d20+44 SR, (51 on the second if the first does any damage at all)
[17:53] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2#1d20+44 SR, (51 on the second if the first does any damage at all) --> [ 1d20=17 ]{61}, [ 1d20=17 ]{61}
[17:53] <@Ebiris> roll 2#5d6 damage if saved
[17:53] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2#5d6 damage if saved --> [ 5d6=14 ]{14}, [ 5d6=14 ]{14}
[17:53] <@Ebiris> roll 2#40d6 damage if not saved
[17:53] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2#40d6 damage if not saved --> [ 40d6=141 ]{141}, [ 40d6=146 ]{146}
DC 35 fort on those. That's her done.
Alicia HP: 1150+240/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/0/8/4/6/7/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
> roll 1d20+12 fort 1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 fort 1 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{27}
> roll 1d20+12 fort 2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 fort 2 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{32}
Unfortunate luck on the 20.
Most of the spear is gone, but an outline of goopy ooze remains. It holds together if barely as...
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Faranos (Fell Hunter) > Eye Horror (24) > Antenora (23) > Spear (22)
The man slowly rises in the air.
"I am...Faranos."
He speaks as his head rises and his eyes open. Human eyes, an acid green color. His voice is that of a battlefield, of a hundred voices crying out together, death screams.
"You will die by my hand, as is only just."
"Just?" Antenora challenges.
"Die wondering." Then as a blur Faranos charges in, dying spear aimed squarely at your heart.
Provokes an AoO.
Just want to clarify. Alicia's disintegrates were not aimed at the spear, they were aimed at the cord connecting the man with the eye.
Presumably that changes things?
Strike that then, somehow completely misread. The joy of multiple combats.
> roll 1d20+47
> roll 1d20+47
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+47 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{64}
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+47 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{55}
The cord is hit but barely fazed by your attack at all. It endures it well, far stronger than it appears. Or perhaps the figure before you is.
The man slowly rises in the air.
"I am...Faranos."
He speaks as his head rises and his eyes open. Human eyes, an acid green color. His voice is that of a battlefield, of a hundred voices crying out together, death screams.
"You will die by my hand, as is only just."
"Just?" Antenora challenges.
"Die wondering." Then as a blur Faranos charges in, dying spear aimed squarely at your heart.
Go ahead with the AoO if you wanna take it.
[19:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+88 AoO with nothing going on
[19:05] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+88 AoO with nothing going on --> [ 1d20=1 ]{89}
[19:05] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+62+2d6+3d6 and a negative level
[19:05] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+62+2d6+3d6 and a negative level --> [ 6d6=20 2d6=5 3d6=8 ]{95}
> roll 1d20+108 (+2 charge, +12 smite good,, +4 celestial bane, +20 true strike)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+108 (+2 charge, +12 smite good,, +4 celestial bane, +20 true strike) --> [ 1d20=3 ]{111}
AC? I'll sort it all out at once.
113.
Also if he's casting true strike as a spell that'll provoke another from me via spellcasting harrier.
I won't take it however. Keep that as a surprise for when we make it to 666 itself.
Alicia HP: 1150+240/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/0/8/4/6/7/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
The blow sends both of you back. Faranos is blocked at the last moment with Bonds, the impact of it a loud CRACK that sends little, stinging bits of acid all over. The sheer force of it pushes you a few steps back, the ground quaking beneath your heavy tread.
Yet you are unwounded.
From Faranos comes a cry of raw anger, of the rage of thousands no longer held at bay.
...A succubus in a hedge maze, as G'renna...
...Vrocks come down from above as you and Seira...
...Gurlan's battle cry echos...
...Antenora's spear glistens as the horde advances on herself and Muirfinn...
Memories and images from it, clear as crystal in your mind. So many, each possessed of but one desire - your utter destruction.
Go ahead and react, it matters here.
"Come then, fury of the Abyss," Alicia challenges boldly, resetting her stance after that clash, mind on the battle even with those memories of ones past. "Aren't I the invader here, after all? Show me you have something worth protecting!"
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Faranos (Fell Hunter) > Eye Horror (24) > Antenora (23) > Spear (22)
To your words, the mouth that birthed Faranos screams. It screams loud, a high pitched wail as great blobs of acid come forth from its mouth - three fly right at you and three at Antenora, smaller than the previous attack but still coming in hot and fast. When they close in they erupt into great blasts of acid, threatening to entomb you in agony.
Faranos meanwhile gathers himself anew, fury on his face now as he brandishes his spear for another charge.
Refx3.
[16:43] <@Ebiris> roll 3#1d20+73 ref
[16:43] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 3#1d20+73 ref --> [ 1d20=15 ]{88}, [ 1d20=9 ]{82}, [ 1d20=1 ]{74}
Alicia HP: 1150+240/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/0/8/4/6/7/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
> roll 3#1d20+67 Antenora evasion a 2 level dip into monk appeals to her more and more some days
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 3#1d20+67 Antenora evasion a 2 level dip into monk appeals to her more and more some days --> [ 1d20=10 ]{77}, [ 1d20=19 ]{86}, [ 1d20=20 ]{87}
Each one is 120 points of damage half acid and half unholy. Antenora has resistance 20 to acid and electricity, so that's 60 damage off the total for her. 300 damage total for Antenora.
The acid mars both of you, sizzling pain as Antenora is splashed. Her leg, arm and side hisses, burnt deeply by the acids. At the same time, as pain wraps across your body...
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Faranos (Fell Hunter) > Eye Horror (24) > Antenora (23) > Spear (22)
Antenora is up. What's your HP, Alicia, so she can do healing as needed.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 679/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 12/13 Channel Energy 17/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 24/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+145+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Did I make the saves?
1030/1150 if I didn't, 1150+60/1150 if I did.
Alicia HP: 1150+240/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/0/8/4/6/7/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
You did, I'm sorry.
Antenora's burns begin to heal as she is a blur. A raw dart dead on at Faranos, a coming clash that - !
> roll 1d20+90 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -20 PA)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+90 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -20 PA) --> [ 1d20=12 ]{102}
> roll 213*3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 213*3 --> {639}
> roll 3d8+639+2d6+2d6+10d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8+639+2d6+2d6+10d6 --> [ 3d8=21 2d6=9 2d6=6 10d6=38 ]{713}
Antenora's spear meets his chest. A flare of metal gray light. A defense? Yet Antenora's spear shines and plunges through it, into his chest and out his back. Antenora pulls her spear out, no blood. He hovers there, chest and heart torn apart and body weeping opal blue light.
Meanwhile the spear weeps. Globs of itself rain down to the ground as it slowly loses its shape.
Warmth. Your chest grows warm as the gem of truth glows. Above you. A crack in the air, reality wounded. A red hand as large as you are extends out, above you, ready to strike you.
> roll 1d20+13 Hand
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 Hand --> [ 1d20=6 ]{19}
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Faranos (Fell Hunter) > Eye Horror (24) > Antenora (23) > Hand (19)
Go Alicia.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 789/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 37/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 11/13 Channel Energy 17/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 23/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
If stuff is teleporting/gating in, Alicia has greater anticipate teleportation up for 3 rounds of warning.
Alicia HP: 1150+60/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/0/8/3/6/7/6/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
It's not a teleport/gate in that sense.
"This could keep dragging on, Antenora. Make for the castle, we need to solve this at its source," Alicia says, at least clearing the area to prevent immediate pursuit as she lays into the eye horror and then other targets that present themselves.
First attack is eye, second is hand, third is Faranos. Then all attacks are on the eye until it dies, at which point she switches to the hand, and then Faranos.
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=16 ]{115}
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=1 ]{100}
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=12 ]{111}
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=5 ]{104}
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=19 ]{113}
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=7 ]{101}
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=12 ]{101}
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=3 ]{92}
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=14 ]{98}
[18:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch
[18:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=12 ]{96}
[18:55] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 crit check
[18:55] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+94 crit check --> [ 1d20=11 ]{105}
[18:55] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+51 SR on ravaging touch
[18:55] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+51 SR on ravaging touch --> [ 1d20=15 ]{66}
[18:56] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores
[18:56] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores --> [ 6d6=21 2d6=7 3d6=6 14d4=30 ]{109}
[18:56] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores
[18:56] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores --> [ 6d6=29 2d6=6 3d6=10 14d4=28 ]{118}
[18:56] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores
[18:56] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores --> [ 6d6=23 2d6=4 3d6=8 14d4=28 ]{108}
[18:56] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores
[18:56] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores --> [ 6d6=16 2d6=7 3d6=14 14d4=36 ]{118}
[18:56] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4 and 2 negative level and 20 ability drain to all ability scores if 113/105 was a crit
[18:57] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4 and 2 negative level and 20 ability drain to all ability scores if 113/105 was a crit --> [ 12d6=48 2d6=3 6d6=18 14d4=38 ]{197}
[18:57] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores if it wasn't
[18:57] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores if it wasn't --> [ 6d6=25 2d6=9 3d6=12 14d4=29 ]{120}
[18:57] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores
[18:57] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores --> [ 6d6=13 2d6=7 3d6=11 14d4=30 ]{106}
[18:57] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores
[18:57] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores --> [ 6d6=17 2d6=10 3d6=12 14d4=32 ]{116}
[18:57] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores
[18:57] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores --> [ 6d6=14 2d6=7 3d6=12 14d4=26 ]{104}
[18:57] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores
[18:57] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores --> [ 6d6=21 2d6=5 3d6=7 14d4=38 ]{116}
[18:57] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores
[18:57] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4 and 1 negative level and 10 ability drain to all ability scores --> [ 6d6=27 2d6=8 3d6=6 14d4=41 ]{127}Alicia HP: 1150+60/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/9/9/0/8/3/6/7/5/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Your blade is relentless. Faranos is torn and sent back, bloodied further and yet he does not bleed. The hand is chipped, bleeding red blood but little more. The eye? The eye deflates under your assault, slumping down. The metal umbilical cord for Faranos crumbles away as the eye goes still and silent.
Anything else this turn?
A pair of force walls appear between Antenora and Faranos as well as between the Hand and Alicia, buying them more time to retreat to the castle and make their way to 666's entrance rather than wasting more time here.
2x quickened wall of force. Each covers 180x190 feet.
Alicia HP: 1150+60/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/7/9/0/8/3/6/7/5/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Faranos (Fell Hunter) > Antenora (23) > Hand (19)
The wall indeed stalls Faranos. He retreats back and up, getting a line to Antenora. At the same time he concentrates, a spear of gray stone appearing in hand. Antenora wastes no time in the slightest, 'I understand, Alicia.' She flies as her wounds heal, hurrying along rapidly, towards the castle in a blur of opal blue light.
At the same time the great hand from above slams down and...
> roll 1d20+42 dispel check
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+42 dispel check --> [ 1d20=14 ]{56}
CL on the wall?
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 35/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 11/13 Channel Energy 17/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 23/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
39.
The wall crumbles away, broken by arcane might. But that's it, your path free for now.
Warmth on your bosom.
Coffins begin to rise from the wartorn ground, the heaps of the dead parting as stone coffins emerge. None open yet, but thousands emerge all around.
Go.
Alicia doesn't stick around, she flies right after Antenora towards the ruined elven castle at top speed!
Movement speed?
230 with blinding speed.
One round of blinding speed consumed for both yourself and Antenora.
The two of you fly ahead at top speed. It's a raw sprint, nothing but speed. You rush in a gash in the castle, a broken wall and into cover. In - but the way is not clear.
Warmth again from the gemstone.
Before you a bull blocks the way. A bull with four human like arms coming from its side, each bearing a whip of flame. It is a massive beast, a blockade against further ingress. It has a face, the peeled away flesh of a man's face plastered atop its bovine one. Bloody nails secure it, driven into the beast's skull and jaw.
Atop its a woman. An old crone, hunched over. She is nude, her entire body withered as if she were hundreds of years old. Her eyes weep tears of pus and her body is impaled a dozen times by swords. Yet she lives and stares down at you.
'I...I am....' Her voice is the dying whisper of an ancient crone as she peers at you, eyes weeping all the while. 'I am...The Lady of Repentance. I exist to...bring everything to cry eternal lamentations. You who stand in the way of my throne...shall cease to be!'
The bull's lips twist, a too deep and too pained song from it, "Glory to you! Glory to you! Glory to you!"
Antenora's gaze is ice cold, utterly determined. "Goodbye, nightmare. You'll not live long enough to regret those lies."
They join init. Keeping the others in init for now in case they can impact things.
> roll 1d20+16 Lady
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 Lady --> [ 1d20=6 ]{22}
> roll 1d20+19 Bull
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+19 Bull --> [ 1d20=8 ]{27}
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Faranos (Fell Hunter) > Bull of Glory (27) > Antenora (23) > Lady of Repentance (22) > Hand (19)
Go Alicia, it's a new round.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 35/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 11/13 Channel Energy 17/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 22/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
"Forget them and keep moving," Alicia says, not wanting to lose more time and resources on what are fundamentally distractions.
A twist of space ahead of Antenora connects a spot with one as deep within as she can see of this room/corridor, and then she walls the bull and its rider off with a pair of force walls both behind and ahead of them. Then she rushes through that twisted space to get past them and keep hurrying towards the throne room and the entrance to 666 beyond it.
Free action to twist space, 2 swifts on quickened walls of force, then run action with blinding speed to get moving.
Alicia HP: 1150+60/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/5/9/0/8/3/6/7/5/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Another round of blinding speed for both of you.
A raw gambit to flee.
You flee.
You think you can escape?
Antenora is at your side, fast as a gale. You rush the entrance to 666 - and stop. The door to it is barricaded. Boards are hammered over the door. Perhaps no barrier to you, but the door and everything beyond it is in black and white. No color, no movement. Cold as ice.
Your cowardice will take you no further.
The gemstone of truth is warm against your chest. A flicker. Words, speech. Hidden from your perception and now audible.
You flee.
You think you can escape?
Antenora is at your side, fast as a gale. You rush the entrance to 666 - and stop. The door to it is barricaded. Boards are hammered over the door. Perhaps no barrier to you, but the door and everything beyond it is in black and white. No color, no movement. Cold as ice.
Your cowardice will take you no further.
The gemstone of truth is warm against your chest. A flicker. Words, speech. Hidden from your sight and now audible.
You feel it ahead. A presence, a foulness that sickens the body, mind and soul.
Will you face a Demon Prince, upstart? I have been born only to kill you.
You hear his words. You feel his hatred. A hatred so pure and clean that it would be pure, were it anything remotely righteous. It resides ahead, within that place of no color and no warmth.
Always.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 35/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 11/13 Channel Energy 17/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 21/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
They're operating perhaps on different definitions of 'flee' considering her every step brings her closer to the heart of evil here.
Then again, it is a place of lies, so perhaps it only makes sense?
"So what you're saying is the Abyss is sending newborns at us?" she asks, cutting through that trash talk as she has a look over the magic past that barricade. Chronomancy?
Take 10 for 86 on spellcraft, divine insight popped.
Alicia HP: 1150+60/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/5/9/0/8/3/6/7/5/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
No, an intensely, almost unthinkably powerful abjuration. One that freezes space within it. It won't move, it won't fold.
Come and find out, paladin.
The last word is spat, as if a vile curse.
So does that just counter my space compression spell or does it prevent actual movement within? Would freedom of movement work against it if so?
Your best guess is that it would stop movement inside without freedom of movement, and most likely stop space compression cold.
Alicia disintegrates the barricade with silver fire then. It would be satisfying to kick it open but the fragments would just get caught in the air and still be in the way.
[20:22] <@Ebiris> roll 40d10
[20:22] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 40d10 --> [ 40d10=221 ]{221}
Damage if needed but should auto-disintegrate objects.
Alicia HP: 1150+60/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/5/9/0/8/3/6/7/5/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
The door is gone - and the passage beyond is the same black and white. You can feel the presence within, something forming as you watch.
Antenora readies her spear.
Alicia advances, trusting her magic to protect her and Antenora.
They both popped freedom of movement in prep.
A very wise choice.
You step in.
The hallway stretches ahead to the path to 666.
The figure ahead has flesh of stone, garbed in armor of steel, decorated with smoky quartz. Stones of it embedded into his armor all over, almost like overlapping scales that obscure the metal entirely. Gray on gray, save for his face. He has no face, only a glow of putrid, pale green light.
Paladins.
You who advance truth have no future.
In his hand is a double bladed sword, almost identical to Bonds.
You speak boldly for a dead man. Repent or face judgment.
There is no judgment, there is only what I want, forever and ever. Your words mean nothing here. I will show you by slaying you and feasting on your innards!
Sound won't carry either, will it? Well that's alright, they can speak their wills.
You've been fed a banquet of lies to believe in your victory here.
My name is... Cythos. Know the name of your executioner!
I think the conversation's about run its course, so I'm going to call for init.
Supreme init, DvR 5.
Alicia HP: 1150+60/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/5/9/0/8/3/6/7/5/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
> roll 1d20+36
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+36 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{46}
> roll 1d20+14 Antenora
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Antenora --> [ 1d20=14 ]{28}
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Cythos (46) > Antenora (28)
Go.
Is teleportation blocked in here?
Yes, you believe so.
Goodbye Cythos.
Briefly turning into a bolt of lightning, Alicia crosses the remaining distance to get into range of the nascant demon lord, her hand glowing with nightmarishly potent acid as she slaps the sword in his hands before bringing her own blade to bear in eviscerating him. If he has some cunning counter gambit lined up well it's not going to happen.
Quickened lightning leap to get into range, quick-cast vivacious/maximised flux grasp to melt his sword into goo, and then full attack.
Lets do the flux grasp first though. I'm not sure if this resolves as an ordinary melee touch attack for the spell or counts as a sunder attempt? I'll roll for either and you can decide.
[21:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20 moment of prescience, +118 if this is a sunder attempt using cmb, +104 if it's a melee touch attack
[21:30] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20 moment of prescience, +118 if this is a sunder attempt using cmb, +104 if it's a melee touch attack --> [ 1d20=10 ]{10}
So either hits vs CMD 128 or touch AC 114 (with him hopefully being flat-footed but who knows if he has uncanny dodge or whatever).
Does 350 acid damage to the sword.Alicia HP: 1150+60/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/8/3/6/7/4/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 2
I'm not clear - are you channeling the flux grasp or is it just a touch attack? Matters here.
Normal touch attack with a quick-cast spell.
Right.
The blade melts before your eyes. Yet the moment you touch the blade, as it melts?
Cythos stands before you, his sword a ruined, hissing wreck on the ground before him.
Cythos stands behind both of you, a second of him. This one's armor is far thicker and covers even his not-face, like a metal tomb decorated with smoky quartz. The ruins of his sword also lie before him, a second blade destroyed.
Cythos is above you, clinging to the ceiling. This one is completely unarmored, body smooth and undefined beneath that armor. He holds the ruined hilt of a blade.
The end comes.
I am many.
In three we are utterly invincible.
Then, together the three intone:
The final death comes, vile paladin.
The final death comes, vile paladin.
The final death comes, vile paladin.
The voices of the three echo about you, a cascade from ahead, behind and below.
Go with the rest of your turn.
Wasn't there a spell that did something like this? No, probably not, unless it's chronomancy.
In any case, Alicia changes her plan, wary that attacking will cause more to split off and overwhelm them with numbers. A single fatal blow from Antenora might work better than her own method of attack - this one is made specifically to kill her after all. Sacrificing a portion of her own strength, she wards herself in protective light!
Vivacious Latha's sunmantle cast, DR 20/- and 40 divine damage to anyone who hits me.
[17:12] <@Ebiris> roll 1d6
[17:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d6 --> [ 1d6=4 ]{4}
4 strength damage as sacrifice cost.
Alicia HP: 1150+60/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, -4 strength damage.
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/8/3/5/7/4/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 2
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Cythos (46) > Antenora (28)
Cythos moves. The first one lashes out, a savage backhand to crush your face in. No grace, just raw and overwhelming power.
> roll 1d20+132 (+66 ???)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+132 (+66 ???) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{137}
> roll 1d20+132 (+66 ???)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+132 (+66 ???) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{145}
> roll 1d20+132 (+66 ???)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+132 (+66 ???) --> [ 1d20=13 ]{145}
AC? Any miss chance?
113, no miss chance.
> roll 6d6+66+6d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 6d6+66+6d6 --> [ 6d6=21 6d6=25 ]{112}
> roll 6d6+66+6d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 6d6+66+6d6 --> [ 6d6=19 6d6=14 ]{99}
> roll 6d6+66+6d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 6d6+66+6d6 --> [ 6d6=19 6d6=15 ]{100}
The blows are brutal - and each one causes his hand to burst into sun fires. Yet he does not stop, beating you as the second guards itself, a fortress defended. The third retches, vile black fluids raining down on Alicia from its not-mouth.
Ref. Breath weapon time.
[17:56] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+73 ref
[17:56] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+73 ref --> [ 1d20=3 ]{76}
Alicia HP: 959/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, -4 strength damage.
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/8/3/5/7/4/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 2
180 unholy damage, but you made the save so that knocks it down to 90. HP after that?
869/1150
Alicia HP: 869/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, -4 strength damage.
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/8/3/5/7/4/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 2
Your skin burns at that - and Antenora gazes at you, utterly intent. She raises her spear and charges right at you with a shrill cry, spear going for your head. Her eyes are deep pits of opal blue, aglow.
Going to try and dodge this?
You know what, I have enough hit points and Anty sucks at damaging stuff that isn't evil anyway. I'll see where she's going with this.
Alicia HP: 869/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, -4 strength damage.
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/8/3/5/7/4/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 2
> roll 1d20+2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{22}
> roll 1d20+1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{12}
Antenora throws an incredibly timely 20 on a rank check.
> roll 1d20+90 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -20 PA)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+90 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -20 PA) --> [ 1d20=12 ]{102}
> roll 3d8+639+2d6+2d6+10d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8+639+2d6+2d6+10d6 --> [ 3d8=20 2d6=7 2d6=2 10d6=37 ]{705}
> roll 1d20+2 rank check
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 rank check --> [ 1d20=17 ]{19}
> roll 1d20+1
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{5}
Antenora's spear stabs out. An inch above your head, her spear missing you by the narrowest of margins. You are pushed back from it, as the same green glow that covers the face of Cythos. Antenora's spear impales deeply into it, a moment of tension as she pushes.
There is no place in Creation for more of your lies!
With a push the Black Horn Spear slams through the light and out the other side. There is a horrible wail as piercing wounds appear everywhere, save on Antenora on yourself. The same wound repeated thousands of times, spreading everywhere you can see on this layer. All three of the Cythos melt into the same ruin as his blade, as the green light winks out on all of them.
The Abyss itself, everything around you, seems to recoil.
Antenora lands next to you.
Another lie. Hurry before something else is birthed, something worse.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 41/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 10/13 Channel Energy 17/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 20/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Well played.
She briefly heals herself before hurrying on now to 666's entrance.
Quickened limited wish for a restoration to fix that strength damage.
Alicia HP: 869/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/7/4/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 2
Antenora's own healing washes over you.
220 healing from divine succorx2.
It was the numbers. I had to look actively, but once I realized it, I was able to see through the lie.
Alicia gives Antenora a smile as they hurry onwards.
Well, I promise to be a lot more supportive of your numerology based speculations in the future.
Alicia HP: 1150/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/7/4/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 2
The smile is returned, a gentle moment of closeness as you descend down.
Black. It's pitch black here now. Nothing. No giant, no smaller ones, nothing at all.
Kina-ja found what she sought. Colke found what he feared. Malcanthet found what she desired. Alicia found what she needed. Mephisto found what he thought he would.
Yet you live.
Will you advance further into 666 and see? Will you gaze on what lies here and understand? Will you speak my name and lament?
This is the third time I've had to come here. We both hope it will be the last, don't we?
Nothing felt via tremorsense or blindsight at range? Nothing illuminated by her sunmantle? No ground underneath?
Nothing. True emptiness.
What is it you desire?
"The truth," Alicia says aloud, using her voice.
You know not what you ask.
"And I find your prevarication increasingly tiresome," she goes on. "What are you doing with Colke?"
LEAVE.
Antenora does not leave. Instead she floats forward, ever so slightly, but unmistakably a step forward.
Speak the truth, monster.
Alicia moves forward after Antenora, staying in step with her.
"Not this time."
Intimidate checks, both of you. +7 bonus.
[20:13] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+74 not adding size bonus since this dude is actually pretty huge too I think
[20:13] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+74 not adding size bonus since this dude is actually pretty huge too I think --> [ 1d20=20 ]{94}
Alicia HP: 1150/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/7/4/3
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 2
> roll 1d20+72 Antenora Intimidate
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+72 Antenora Intimidate --> [ 1d20=14 ]{86}From the darkness a path forms. A path of shimmering force, towards something far ahead. Something out of your visual range, but that yet looms over everything.
THEN COME. SURVIVE TO THE END OF THIS ROAD AND I WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING.
This voice is now like a vast titan, one that challenges forward.
The Abyss stirs.
You are watched.
You feel thousands of gazes on you now from every direction, yet see not a soul.
Warmth floods your chest as the gemstone of truth glows bright enough to illuminate all around you.
Souls flow here. Great streams of souls, forming before your eyes. Souls that congeal together all about, a trillion profanities mustered for each. Embryos, horrors in the first stage of birth. More than you can count, more than you can see.
Antenora looks on.
I will be at your side, Alicia. If you are ready to face this, I will be there.
"Not so placid after all, are you?" Alicia says grimly, nodding to Antenora and advancing on the path offered.
A link forms with Antenora, bolstering her further for whatever challenges will assault them on the way.
Swift to make Anty my familiar. Following benefits:
Counts as 37 hit dice for any effects that matter with those.
Hit points change to 575 if they're not already higher.
Base attack bonus changes to +37 if it's not already higher.
Base saves (before stats/feats/abilities) change to Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +18 if they're not already higher.
Gains Alicia's base skill ranks for any skills his aren't higher than. That's +40 to acrobatics, craft (landscaping), craft (painting), diplomacy, intimidate, fly, knowledge (arcana), knowledge (history), knowledge (nature), knowledge (religion), knowledge (planes), perception, perform (oratory), profession (general), sense motive, spellcraft, survival, and swim. And +16 to bluff.
Intelligence rises to 24 if it's not already higher.
Gains +19 to natural armour.
Gains improved evasion.
Gains spell resistance 42.
Can cast Limited Wish as a spell-like ability twice per day.
Plus we get an empathic link so we can feel what the other is feeling emotionally.
You take the first step forward as you establish that link.
You feel Antenora's bravery, her lack of fear. Her raw, unyielding determination. A sense of rightness, a sense of purpose that overshadows all else she feels. To face something like this is what she was meant to do, she knows that to her core.
From the horrors they come. Each is a monster you have faced before. The dreaded balors, lightning sword warlords of the Abyss. A great host of them is called from nothing, to assail you head on. Flames of acid-green crackle in their off hands, cruel whips to flay the flesh from your bones.
From below they form. Countless wretched souls. In them you see a litany - murderbetrayalmurderrapegluttonyhatredmurderblasphemy - of sins. Barely humanoid things, nude forms of flesh that as one reach up for your feet, reach up and somehow seem mere inches from bodily contact with you.
From the skies they are born. Vast flights of nalfeshnee, carried on wings of ice. Their stomachs are vast and bulging, each split open to ooze ripe yellow fluids. They seek to crowd out the land and sky completely, a challenge to stop even the two of you.
Initiative. You have supreme init so you can open.
"Advance, Antenora. I have our flanks covered," Alicia says, casting three mighty spells in an instant.
Above. Below. Beside. Giant jagged columns of dark blue crystal erupt out of the Abyss, absorbing and confining everything they touch. Leeching the life from even abyssal horrors to fuel their own arcane growth they grow and become ever deadlier with every life they take. And 666 has provided a bounty of lives to fuel their advance.
Cursed Crystal Prison and quick-cast Cursed Crystal Prison x2.
[13:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+44 SR balors
[13:33] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+44 SR balors --> [ 1d20=20 ]{64}
[13:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+44 SR wretches
[13:33] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+44 SR wretches --> [ 1d20=17 ]{61}
[13:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+44 SR nalfeshnee
[13:33] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+44 SR nalfeshnee --> [ 1d20=17 ]{61}
[13:34] <@Ebiris> roll 20d6 balors
[13:34] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 20d6 balors --> [ 20d6=81 ]{81}
[13:34] <@Ebiris> roll 20d6 wretches
[13:34] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 20d6 wretches --> [ 20d6=71 ]{71}
[13:34] <@Ebiris> roll 20d6 nalfeshnee
[13:34] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 20d6 nalfeshnee --> [ 20d6=76 ]{76}
Reflex DC of 43 causes a victim to be flung clear rather than absorbed by the crystal. I know you tend to just roll group saves but I figure at least some are going to get caught out and as they die the spell gets worse for everyone else.
Each crystal starts as 60 feet high/20 foot radius, growing by 5 feet in both measures with every creature slain and raising the damage by 1d6 (to a maximum of 50d6). Anything caught needs to make a DC 30 strength check and a DC 50 escape artist check as a full round action to move 5 feet through the crystal.As they form, Alicia flies onwards, not wanting to be caught in the advance of that cursed crystal herself.
Alicia HP: 1150/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/7/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 0
Yeah, in this sort of case I'll probably split the differences depending on how good the base saving throw is. Quick adjudication question, how long does the spell last?
38 minutes.
Also I just remembered I get a free purify/consecrate 1/day from my armour so I'll use that on the one from below hitting the wretches. That ups the damage one step vs evil outsiders and does no damage to good creatures. Handy in case that one gets out of control.
[17:02] <@Ebiris> roll 20d8
[17:02] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 20d8 --> [ 20d8=66 ]{66}
Amended damage for the wretches, funnily enough it's less! For now.
> roll 1d20+30 Balors
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+30 Balors --> [ 1d20=6 ]{36}
> roll 1d20+28 nalfeshnee
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+28 nalfeshnee --> [ 1d20=10 ]{38}
> roll 1d20+26 wretches
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+26 wretches --> [ 1d20=17 ]{43}
Your crystals spread everywhere, entombing several demons and more by the moment. It spreads as it captures them, the crystals growing before your eyes. It's only part of the great hoards before you, but without a doubt, it's a start.
Anything else this turn?
All actions used up.
> roll 1d20+14 Antenora
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+14 Antenora --> [ 1d20=9 ]{23}
> roll 1d20+24 Balors
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+24 Balors --> [ 1d20=9 ]{33}
> roll 1d20+18 Nalfeshnee
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+18 Nalfeshnee --> [ 1d20=15 ]{33}
> roll 1d20+12 Wretched
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+12 Wretched --> [ 1d20=18 ]{30}
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Balors = Nalfeshnee (30) > Wretched (30) > Antenora (23)
The crystal blunts the initial balor charge, acid green lashes whipping at it to no avail. Several of the demons are entombed within, struggling against their prison with the mindless rage of a berserker. Yet others stop to the sides, not checked enough, and lash out with those terrible, flaming whips. Green fire soars towards you and Antenora, a burning rebuke to both of you.
Ref saves, both. Half fire and half acid damage, so note if immune to both.
[18:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+73 ref
[18:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+73 ref --> [ 1d20=7 ]{80}
Fire immune only.
> roll 1d20+64
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+64 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{80}
> roll 36d6
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 36d6 --> [ 36d6=123 ]{123}
Both made the save. Half acid, half fire. Antenora is fire immune and resistance to acid 20. So 30 damage before resistance gets through, and acid resistance eats 20 of that. 10 damage.
The acid hisses against both of you as you hold your ground longer yet. Long enough to endure, while below the wretches are held back for the moment by the crystal prison. It buys you time, yet it's not over. From the nalfeshnee lightning rains down, brutal and bitter storms of unholy wrath to slam you further.
> roll 1d20+36
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+36 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{44}
Does not beat your SRs.
Yet this lightning crackles against you in vain, doing nothing as...
Antenora? HP for Alicia, that usually influences her turn if Alicia looks injured.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 949/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 41/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 10/13 Channel Energy 17/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 20/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
1120/1150
Remember Anty has improved evasion since she's my familiar right now.
Alicia HP: 1120/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/7/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 0
HP loss retracted in that case, thank you.
Antenora obeys and flies forward, past the prison. There's a small space to advance deeper in, to surge past where it expands and thrust deeper into the lines of balors.
> roll 1d20+61 (+4 charge, +7 Alicia, +18 furious strike, +1 blinding speed, divine might used, -30 PA)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+61 (+4 charge, +7 Alicia, +18 furious strike, +1 blinding speed, divine might used, -30 PA) --> [ 1d20=15 ]{76}
> roll 148*3
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 148*3 --> {444}
> roll 3d8+444+2d6+2d6+10d6+4d6
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 3d8+444+2d6+2d6+10d6+4d6 --> [ 3d8=9 2d6=6 2d6=6 10d6=26 4d6=8 ]{499}
> roll 1d20+64 improved evasion
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+64 improved evasion --> [ 1d20=2 ]{66}
Two balors are impaled, one and another stabbed as Antenora pushes through. Explosions erupt around her, nothing that even remotely slows her advance.
Come and face your final judgment, those who wish to never atone.
Destruction is not atonement.
I am born to destroy.
There is no atonement in death, only beauty.
It is a phantasm that forms behind you, a mere 60ft away. A broken, hawk-like body forced into the shape of a humanoid. Talons that hold a great maul, as if to crush you beneath it. A leather sack is over its head, which obscures it entirely. Iron nails secure it in place, driven into the creature's neck. Tiny rivulets of red blood trickle out from beneath the hood, which stain its chest.
Once you faced what fancied himself Death.
Are you still so brave, paladin?
Go.
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Broken Hawk (Supreme) > Balors = Nalfeshnee (30) > Wretched (30) > Antenora (23)
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 40/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 10/13 Channel Energy 16/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 19/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
"I'm here, aren't I?" Alicia asks, flinging bursts of sunlight around the mobs on all sides, blinding them to the expanding doom of those crystal prisons, while a wave of fatigue washes over the newly formed demon lord as well as anything else in the vicinity, tiring him out as soon as he appears.
2x quickened sunlances above and below, and a wave of fatigue back at the hawk before Alicia flies forward to catch up with Antenora.
[17:13] <@Ebiris> roll 2#1d20+62 ranged touch on sunlances
[17:13] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 2#1d20+62 ranged touch on sunlances --> [ 1d20=2 ]{64}, [ 1d20=8 ]{70}
[17:13] <@Ebiris> roll 2#1d20+44 SR
[17:13] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 2#1d20+44 SR --> [ 1d20=8 ]{52}, [ 1d20=19 ]{63}
[17:13] <@Ebiris> roll 30d6 impact damage
[17:13] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 30d6 impact damage --> [ 30d6=91 ]{91}
[17:13] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6 splash damage
[17:13] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 6d6 splash damage --> [ 6d6=22 ]{22}
DC 39 ref or blinded by those, 160 foot radius.
[17:14] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+42 waves of exhaustion SR
[17:15] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+42 waves of exhaustion SR --> [ 1d20=5 ]{47}
No save exhaustion for anything that beats the SR of. 60 foot cone.
Alicia HP: 1120/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/5/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 3
Quick-casts left: 0
Give me a caster level check on waves too? Something the hawk man has in play.
[17:27] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+42 waves of exhaustion caster level
[17:27] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+42 waves of exhaustion caster level --> [ 1d20=15 ]{57}
> roll 1d20+28 nalfeshnee reflex
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+28 nalfeshnee reflex --> [ 1d20=19 ]{47}
> roll 1d20+26 wretches reflex
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+26 wretches reflex --> [ 1d20=13 ]{39}
Does the prisons require a new batch of saves?
Anyone who's already stuck can't make saves and has to make strength/escape artist checks to try and break free. Anyone caught by the expansion as people die within the prison and it swells needs to save. Damage is taken every round while imprisoned or touching it, starting at 20d6 and going up by 1d6 for every creature killed to a max of 50d6.
Gimme another round of damage then.
[18:12] <@Ebiris> roll 20d6
[18:12] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 20d6 --> [ 20d6=72 ]{72}
[18:12] <@Ebiris> roll 20d8 for the purified one
[18:12] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 20d8 for the purified one --> [ 20d8=92 ]{92}
Your magic flies everywhere - and indeed, it seems to even slow the newborn demon lord. Antenora wretches her spear free as sunlances erupt on either side. With a tight smile you feel her courage and her simple contentment to be at your side, together with you.
Not that you have time to linger on such feelings, as...
Hawk man is up.
With sluggishness, the hawk creature lets out a deep cry. It is not a bird's cry, but a gurgling and wet sound. The winds come from that, razor winds slicing into you.
> roll 1d20+120 (+66 ???)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+120 (+66 ???) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{127}
AC?
113, but I'll use moment of prescience to make it 136 against this attack.Alicia HP: 1120/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/5/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 2
Quick-casts left: 0
Alicia sees it coming, her blade strikes out. The wind blades are torn apart, leaving her untouched for now. Antenora is at your side, giving you some scant cover as they come. The balors surge forward even as the prison expands behind you and below you. As others are entombed the enemy draws nigh.
> roll 1d20+66
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+66 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{80}
> roll 1d20+66 whips
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+66 whips --> [ 1d20=17 ]{83}
AC?
113 now.
I'll take as many AoOs as I can get since I'm colossal and have lots of reach.
Go for it, 5 total.
Alicia attacks them as they approach, clubbing them with the flat of her titanic blades so they won't explode on her, and also so they'll easily fall victim to the encroaching crystal and fuel it themselves.
[18:58] <@Ebiris> roll 5#1d20+88
[18:58] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 5#1d20+88 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{99}, [ 1d20=7 ]{95}, [ 1d20=20 ]{108}, [ 1d20=8 ]{96}, [ 1d20=11 ]{99}
[18:58] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 crit check on that 20, subtract 4 from each roll since I'm hitting nonlethal
[18:58] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+84 crit check on that 20, subtract 4 from each roll since I'm hitting nonlethal --> [ 1d20=8 ]{92}
[18:59] <@Ebiris> roll 4#6d6+62+2d6+3d6 and a negative level, nonlethal
[18:59] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 4#6d6+62+2d6+3d6 and a negative level, nonlethal --> [ 6d6=22 2d6=10 3d6=12 ]{106}, [ 6d6=29 2d6=7 3d6=8 ]{106}, [ 6d6=18 2d6=5 3d6=16 ]{101}, [ 6d6=15 2d6=7 3d6=8 ]{92}
[18:59] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+124+2d6+6d6 and 2 negative levels, nonlethal for the crit
[18:59] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 12d6+124+2d6+6d6 and 2 negative levels, nonlethal for the crit --> [ 12d6=50 2d6=4 6d6=21 ]{199}
Alicia HP: 1120/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/5/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 2
Quick-casts left: 0
A handful around you are bashed down, the way cleared for a moment. For just a moment, as hands below reach up at you, grasping at your ankles.
> roll 1d20+60
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+60 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{73}
Misses. Provokes an AoO.
[19:40] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+88 AoO taken
[19:40] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+88 AoO taken --> [ 1d20=14 ]{102}
-4 on that for nonlethal.
[19:40] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+62+2d6+3d6 and a negative level, nonlethal again
[19:40] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 6d6+62+2d6+3d6 and a negative level, nonlethal again --> [ 6d6=18 2d6=11 3d6=7 ]{98}
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Broken Hawk (Supreme) > Balors = Nalfeshnee (30) > Wretched (30) > Antenora (23)
Yet Alicia's blade clears away the hands as above, the bellies of the nalfeshnee split open wider. Great gouts of green and black fluids pour forth, a rain of it down on the two of you.
Ref, both of you.
[16:44] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+73 ref
[16:44] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+73 ref --> [ 1d20=1 ]{74}
Alicia HP: 1120/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/5/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 2
Quick-casts left: 0
> roll 1d20+64 improved evasion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 improved evasion --> [ 1d20=2 ]{66}
Antenora none, Alicia half. This deals 180 damage, half acid and half unholy.
The acid steams off of Alicia as it reddens her skin but she looks barely ruffled by it.
Alicia HP: 1030/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/7/3/5/5/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 2
Quick-casts left: 0
Antenora's up.
Ignore the one behind us altogether?
Keep him pinned back there while the crystal expands, don't over-commit and get caught yourself.
> roll 1d20+61 (+4 charge, +7 Alicia, +18 furious strike, +1 blinding speed, divine might used, -30 PA)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+61 (+4 charge, +7 Alicia, +18 furious strike, +1 blinding speed, divine might used, -30 PA) --> [ 1d20=19 ]{80}
> roll 1d20+61 (+4 charge, +7 Alicia, +18 furious strike, +1 blinding speed, divine might used, -30 PA) crit?
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+61 (+4 charge, +7 Alicia, +18 furious strike, +1 blinding speed, divine might used, -30 PA) crit? --> [ 1d20=11 ]{72}
> roll 444*3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 444*3 --> {1332}
> roll 9d8+1332+2d6+2d6+10d6+4d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 9d8+1332+2d6+2d6+10d6+4d6 --> [ 9d8=40 2d6=2 2d6=8 10d6=35 4d6=19 ]{1436}
Antenora's lunge is short but sharp. A balor is impaled around her to no harm, yet the light is opal blue. Several others are touche dby it and burst as well, part of the center cleared out in one strike. As this happens...
Antenora can't fail the ref save and has improved evasion.
Go Alicia.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 39/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 10/13 Channel Energy 15/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 18/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Alicia only moves onwards a little bit, not quite moving at full speed as she invokes the wind to blast all sorts of demons back towards the expanding prisons of life-absorbing crystal, following up with radiant assaults to stun them in place!
Alter reality for control winds, tornado force blast back towards the crystal. DC 50 fort negates (I think alter reality uses the same DC formula as divine SLAs? DC 35 otherwise).
Then two quickened radiant assaults at groups of enemies that were forced back against the crystal. DC 35 will to half the damage and step dazed down to dazzled.
[18:26] <@Ebiris> roll 2#1d20+44 sr for radiant assaults
[18:26] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2#1d20+44 sr for radiant assaults --> [ 1d20=9 ]{53}, [ 1d20=4 ]{48}
[18:26] <@Ebiris> roll 2#15d6 damage
[18:26] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2#15d6 damage --> [ 15d6=59 ]{59}, [ 15d6=66 ]{66}
[18:26] <@Ebiris> roll 2#1d6 rounds dazed/dazzled
[18:26] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 2#1d6 rounds dazed/dazzled --> [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=3 ]{3}
Alicia HP: 1030/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/5/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 2
Quick-casts left: 0
> roll 1d20+33
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+33 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{45}
> roll 1d20+30
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+30 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{50}
> roll 1d20+27
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+27 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{40}
Quick check for something here, do your spells count as good aligned?
Nope, not unless I use even more metamagic on them... which actually I should've done because I'm having to burn 10th level slots on those radiant assaults after using up all my 9th level slots. I'll toss vivacious spell on them so they do double damage to evil outsiders and count as good.
Winds blow demons back, while Antenora's charge blunts the enemy ahead. Crystals spread yet further, buying you precious time. You're clear for the moment, the two of your efforts enough to momentarily check the hoard. Holy power pushes the demons back, make them bear their teeth and snarl. But you have a brief respite as your radiant assaults further blind and daze them.
Anything else this turn for you?
That was a move, a standard, and two swifts. I'm tapped out.
Init is Alicia (Supreme) > Broken Hawk (Supreme) > Balors = Nalfeshnee (30) > Wretched (30) > Antenora (23)
Sluggish and slow as the hawk man may be, even as winds roar, he lets out the same noise as last time as...
How much control over air does your spell give?
"You alter wind force in the area surrounding you. You can make the wind blow in a certain direction or manner, increase its strength, or decrease its strength. The new wind direction and strength persist until the spell ends or until you choose to alter your handiwork, which requires concentration. You may create an "eye" of calm air up to 80 feet in diameter at the center of the area if you so desire, and you may choose to limit the area to any cylindrical area less than your full limit."
Alicia's currently just causing it to blow full force in one direction away from her and Antenora and towards the crystals.
Let's just call it an opposed CL check then. Gimme one for your spell.
[17:33] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+42 CL
[17:33] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+42 CL --> [ 1d20=5 ]{47}
> roll 1d20+39
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+39 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{45}
Yet the winds can't break your own gusts, all as the demons are reeling. A moment on your own, none approaching for now as...
Antenora.
Be ready after me, I think we can push through if we force it hard!
Alicia mutely nods to Antenora. They're in a realm free to manipulate to its owners tastes, who can spawn demon lords whole cloth when needed. They'll be through when the master of this layer feels like he can't deal with them otherwise, she thinks.
> roll 1d20+90 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -20 PA, divine might)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+90 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -20 PA, divine might) --> [ 1d20=11 ]{101}
> roll 3d8+684+2d6+2d6+10d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8+684+2d6+2d6+10d6 --> [ 3d8=15 2d6=6 2d6=6 10d6=42 ]{753}
No need for ref saves for her.
Antenora's strike plunges through the line. As the demons recoil with the winds and power, several balors explode as Antenora goes through them. She's constantly attacking, and slowly, she opens up a path. For this moment there's a way ahead, cleared if you wish to take it.
Yet as you do, for a moment everything is wrong, purple and reversed.
Will saves, all.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 38/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 9/13 Channel Energy 14/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 17/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
[18:30] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 improved m ettle
[18:30] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+77 improved m ettle --> [ 1d20=9 ]{86}
Alicia HP: 1030/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/5/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 2
Quick-casts left: 0
> roll 1d20+76 (+10 vs alignment changing)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+76 (+10 vs alignment changing) --> [ 1d20=8 ]{84}
It feels wrong to you, tastes wrong to you. Like a mouthful of ashes. Yet the two of you both endure it and...
Go.
By now the crystals are getting exceptionally large and deadly as they over-run and then slay more and more disarrayed demons, so Alicia is content to let them do the heavy lifting - it was a lot of magic after all, she ought to see a good return for it! The wind continues to blow back towards them, pressing demons and further limiting their movements, making them vulnerable, as she simply flies ahead and overtakes Antenora.
Full move and that's it from me. Anty has freedom of movement so the wind won't bother her.
The two of you escape - they fade away, as if they were never there at all. Another lie? Yet the path goes on.
You think that is enough?
Out of combat for the moment.
"Why are they gone? Were they not enough?" Alicia asks in turn.
The answer is a surge of crystals.
Crystals form from cracks in reality ahead. These crystals grow and connect with each other. Before you, a ram headed human forms, made entirely of a bright purple quartz or similar material. Its legs are bound together, as if crudely melted into a single one.
Nothing you can do here will avail you.
The prison for them will become the prison for you.
It's true they don't necessarily want to continue on the path laid out before them, although she hasn't yet spotted a particularly inviting alternative.
"Then why is it so different now from the last time we visited?" she asks, not immediately attacking the newly formed creature. "Are you concerned?"
You wear truth like an armor and wield glory like a sword.
Who has armed you so? What have you seen to bestow you with such glories?
"I've seen enough horrors that you can't shock me, and enough wonders that no horror will break my resolve," Alicia answers, eyes on the crystalline creature but speaking to something more abstract.
"I was not given a charge by an Incarnation, as a mortal I was free to explore Creation and make my own judgement on its worth, on my place in it. And I decided for myself that it needs protecting, that it cannot be allowed to end. Even the sunken pits of the Abyss, though a pox on Creation, I would still protect from that ultimate End."
In the distance, in the far distance, the voice of the fake celestial is heard.
Then you shall be made as I desire, as your truths shall become lies and all lies shall become truth. And when you have served your purpose, I shall consume them both!
The master of this place. In his small form, merely one of the fragments of the greater horror. It flies 600ft above and yet seems almost next to you, an expression of unhidden loathing, even as the crystalline being begins to move towards you.
Init. I know you have supreme.
> roll 1d20+14 Antenora
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Antenora --> [ 1d20=17 ]{31}
> roll 1d20+11 crystal horror
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 crystal horror --> [ 1d20=5 ]{16}
Init is False Celestial (Supreme) > Alicia (Supreme) > Antenora (31) > Crystalline Creature (16)Again reality feels upside down, twisted entirely. It's focused on you completely, an intense wave that seems to nearly drown you.
Will.
[17:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 improved mettle
[17:02] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+77 improved mettle --> [ 1d20=2 ]{79}
Something within you is ill. Wrong. You feel different, out of sync.
List 3 important facts about Alicia, please.
Knew I should have used moment of prescience.
Alicia is very good at killing things.
Alicia is skilled with magic.
Alicia is logical and straightforward.
Does this count as enchantment for her to get another save with slippery mind next turn?
Alicia HP: 1030/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/5/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 2
Quick-casts left: 0
Make that save now in this case.
[17:41] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77+30 improved mettle using moment of prescience this time
[17:41] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+77+30 improved mettle using moment of prescience this time --> [ 1d20=6 ]{113}
Alicia HP: 1030/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/5/4/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 1
Quick-casts left: 0
> roll 1d3
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d3 --> [ 1d3=2 ]{2}
> roll 1d5 Syala, Antenora, Marie, Latha, Jessica
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d5 Syala, Antenora, Marie, Latha, Jessica --> [ 1d5=2 ]{2}
It's gone. It's all gone.
Your magic slips away. You never any good with magic. You had your blade and your anger. Your desire for bloodlust was all you ever needed. The feel of hot blood splattering on you as your foes fell was always your greatest pleasure. Magic is nothing to -
Somehow.
In one terrible moment you are two. Yourself and an Alicia who rejected magic, who hated it. Who relished in violence and destruction with her own two hands. A bloodstained monster of the battlefield. No. You are that monster and the other Alicia is a memory. A memory that fades. You remember how sweet Ferdi's blood was. You grow flushed when you remember G'renna's death cry. Malice's demise makes you smirk. Queen's death is only justice and joy for you as you lopped her head off, and you remember finally pinning that loathsome bitch Antenora down atop the Opal Mountain and...!
Too much.
Then you're as you should be, the lie exposed for what it is, Your heart hammers as spells fill your mind once more. Your breath is uneven, you gulp down air as sweat pours down your face and in your body's crevices. For one terrible moment you were two, and only by a miracle you stayed yourself instead of the other.
React.
Also your turn.
It takes a lot of Alicia's self control not to react more viscerally, but she tightens her grip on her sword. "I am provoked," she says with seething mildness, a twist of space bringing her next to the false celestial and exceptionally bloody violence following, of the kind that can only come from marrying swordplay with the arcane.
Full attack, quickened spell x2 to recast many moments of prescience where needed (after the first attack and after the fifth)
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=13 ]{142}
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=20 ]{149}
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=20 ]{149}
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=20 ]{149}
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+94+30 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=9 ]{133}
[18:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp
[18:31] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+94 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp --> [ 1d20=1 ]{95}
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp
[18:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp --> [ 1d20=14 ]{103}
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp
[18:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+89 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp --> [ 1d20=7 ]{96}
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp
[18:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp --> [ 1d20=19 ]{103}
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp
[18:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+84 blinding speed, 14th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious flux grasp --> [ 1d20=13 ]{97}
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99+30 crit check
[18:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99+30 crit check --> [ 1d20=14 ]{143}
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99+30 crit check
[18:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99+30 crit check --> [ 1d20=20 ]{149}
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+99+30 crit check
[18:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+99+30 crit check --> [ 1d20=20 ]{149}
[18:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+84 crit check
[18:32] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+84 crit check --> [ 1d20=11 ]{95}
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level
[18:33] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=25 2d6=11 3d6=12 14d4=30 ]{823}
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+1400 and 2 negative levels if 149/143 critted
[18:33] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+1400 and 2 negative levels if 149/143 critted --> [ 12d6=45 2d6=10 6d6=22 14d4=38 ]{1605}
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level if it didn't
[18:33] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level if it didn't --> [ 6d6=20 2d6=12 3d6=11 14d4=34 ]{822}
[18:33] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+1400 and 2 negative levels if 149/149 critted which it clearly did because 2 20s
[18:33] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+1400 and 2 negative levels if 149/149 critted which it clearly did because 2 20s --> [ 12d6=37 2d6=7 6d6=25 14d4=30 ]{1589}
[18:34] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+1400 and 2 negative levels if 149/149 critted which it clearly did because 2 20s
[18:34] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+1400 and 2 negative levels if 149/149 critted which it clearly did because 2 20s --> [ 12d6=33 2d6=7 6d6=19 14d4=34 ]{1583}
[18:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level
[18:34] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=12 2d6=8 3d6=13 14d4=36 ]{814}
[18:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level
[18:34] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=18 2d6=11 3d6=10 14d4=32 ]{816}
[18:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level
[18:34] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=17 2d6=3 3d6=7 14d4=35 ]{807}
[18:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level
[18:34] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=20 2d6=5 3d6=7 14d4=39 ]{816}
[18:34] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+1400 and 2 negative levels if 103/95 critted
[18:34] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+6d6+14d4+1400 and 2 negative levels if 103/95 critted --> [ 12d6=42 2d6=10 6d6=20 14d4=35 ]{1597}
[18:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level if it didn't
[18:34] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level if it didn't --> [ 6d6=17 2d6=6 3d6=15 14d4=33 ]{816}
[18:34] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level
[18:34] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+14d4+700 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=22 2d6=10 3d6=8 14d4=28 ]{813}
DC 40 fort or -10 armour/-10 natural armour inflicted by flux grasp, doesn't stack but needs to roll for every hit.
Alicia HP: 1030/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/4/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Everything hit and critted. Total damage?
11,263.
You think I was kidding about 'very good at killing things'?
Also this, though it probably doesn't matter for one reason or another.
[18:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 rank check to inflict negative levels
[18:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+5 rank check to inflict negative levels --> [ 1d20=1 ]{6}
Crits are scary.
The figure is - gone? Torn apart? Your blade ends it, tears the nightmare asunder, banishes it back to whence it came.
No.
For one moment, you see. A lie. Just another lie.
You remember, of all things, the song that greeted your entry to Chronias. The song of worlds, sung with the Words of Creation. A song unlike any other you have heard before, a song that bids light and life to prosper. A voice sung by countless voices within that blessed place. It is of a beauty that only a few snatches of the most holy of Ebony or Moore's songs can approach, sung with all the heart and soul.
You have been to Chronias.
The voice of the false celestial fills your mind. A voice filled with the deepest loathing and furious anger.
YOU HAVE BEEN TO CHRONIAS!
The scream echos far and wide, a berserk, wild howl of the blackest anger.
"I've seen the highs and lows of Creation," Alicia says grimly, waiting for the other shoe to drop after that bit of cathartic violence.
Init is False Celestial (Supreme) > Alicia (Supreme) > Antenora (31) > Crystalline Creature (16)
In the distance, you can see points of purple light rapidly manifesting, from one to ten to a hundred, and then countless more. They're gathering together, a great mass of unknown energies.
Chance to react and then Antenora's up.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 38/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 9/13 Channel Energy 14/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 17/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
There's more and it's always worse.
But then Antenora surely knew that coming in. Hopefully she can deal with that crystal thing quickly before the purple thing finishes setting up.
Alicia HP: 1030/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/4/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
> roll 1d20+90 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -20 PA, divine might)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+90 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -20 PA, divine might) --> [ 1d20=5 ]{95}]
A collision. Crystal and spear, spear on crystal. Antenora slams into it, but a shield of crystal forms from part of it, enough to check the charge. It cracks all over but holds, the two locked in a deep struggle as it flees. It flees away - but not fast enough.
The light comes. The purple light gathers together, then a beam larger and wider than a castle erupts across the landscape, the three of you consumed.
Ref save, all. This includes the crystal demon.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 959/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 37/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 8/13 Channel Energy 13/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 16/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
[17:07] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+73 ref
[17:07] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+73 ref --> [ 1d20=15 ]{88}
> roll 1d20+64 improved evasion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 improved evasion --> [ 1d20=19 ]{83}
> roll 1d20+43 crystalline
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+43 crystalline --> [ 1d20=7 ]{50}
666 damage. Antenora made the save so none and Alicia takes half for 333. Crystalline takes full.
The blast blows past both of you. How Antenora dodges it you'll never know. She's just not there somehow as you block - it engulfs you. A massive stream of energy that flays at your flesh and chips at your bones. Yet you stand it despite the pain, enough blocked to dull the damage. But not stop it as you can see more gathering ahead, more ready to come your way.
There's no sign of the crystal creature birthed, nor of anything else. The path is gone, only utter dark around you in every direction. You can feel the air of the realm press against you, as if trying to hold you in place. The gravity feels stronger by the moment, your body and armor heavier.
Go.
She retreats back through twisted space to regroup with Antenora. "I'll need a bit more healing to stand up to this," she asks, wishing Marie was here to use her planar perinarch spell to try taking control of the Abyss for a bit.
Although speaking of Marie? She shrinks down to the size of a thimble and grabs onto Antenora's shoulder. "Head for the source and don't slow down, I'll hold on," she says, quite literally piggy-backing off of Antenora's evasive skills. She gave them to her, it's only fair.
Move to reach Anty, swift to turn fine size, swift for quickened/maximised limited wished cure critical wounds (+104 hp after sensual blessing) standard to grab her. I'm done.
Alicia HP: 468/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 119, CMD 117, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, -6 str, +10 dex, +2 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +7 size AC/attack, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checksPerceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/4/3/5/4/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Mechanically, are you trying to use Antenora as cover?
Mechanically I'm trying to make myself an item in Antenora's inventory and thus rely on her saves instead of my own. She's carrying me, so if she evades something I get evaded along for the ride.
Alicia HP: 468/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 119, CMD 117, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, -6 str, +10 dex, +2 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +7 size AC/attack, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checksPerceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/4/3/5/4/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/15/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Okay.
Antenora zips forward and ahead, a narrow target as again it comes.
> roll 1d20+64 improved evasion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 improved evasion --> [ 1d20=10 ]{74}
> roll 1d20+64 improved evasion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 improved evasion --> [ 1d20=5 ]{69}
She'll pop two of her moments since I copy pasted without thinking.
Somehow Antenora's not there. You're racing onward and ahead as both blasts are missed, Antenora diving lower as they miss. Just in time for it appears. Another of the false celestial, thins one with a massive blade held in both hands. He screams in fury as he flies up to intercept, even as you glimpse more purple in the distance.
Behind you remnants of purple linger and they gather together, beginning to form some sort of body.
Init. Only Antenora rolls so she goes last, she rolls in case it's relevant later.
> roll 1d20+14 Antenora
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Antenora --> [ 1d20=16 ]{30}
Init is False Celestial (Supreme) > Alicia (Supreme) > Antenora (30) > Purple Mass (???)
You shall be rended down to bone, and your bones cast into the eternity of oblivion!
Like a meteorite Antenora and the false celestial clash, blade coming to strike true. It is black as dried blood and emits no shine at all.
> roll 1d20+143
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+143 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{162}
> roll 1d20+143 crit?
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+143 crit? --> [ 1d20=12 ]{155}
> roll 10d8+200+2d6+2d6+4d6+4d6+23d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 10d8+200+2d6+2d6+4d6+4d6+23d6 --> [ 10d8=50 2d6=7 2d6=6 4d6=13 4d6=17 23d6=75 ]{368}
Beats her DR.
Antenora is impaled through the stomach, a bloody gasp as the two meet. Metal tears away as armor yields, the last foot of the blade erupting out from Antenora's back.
Go.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 591/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 37/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 8/13 Channel Energy 13/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 16/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
This'll be far enough for now. Hopping off of Antenora and swelling back up to colossal proportions, Alicia brings her blade to play on their host. "Don't come back for a third round!" she snaps as he's chopped apart into many little pieces.
Free to let go of Anty, swift to change size, full attack and swift to recast quickened many moments of prescience after attack #4.
[19:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+98+30 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, many moments of prescience
[19:18] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+98+30 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=18 ]{146}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+98+30 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, many moments of prescience
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+98+30 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=10 ]{138}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+98+30 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, many moments of prescience
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+98+30 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=7 ]{135}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+98+30 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, many moments of prescience
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+98+30 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=15 ]{143}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+93 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+93 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=1 ]{94}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+93 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+93 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=11 ]{104}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+88 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+88 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=15 ]{103}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+88 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+88 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=9 ]{97}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+83 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+83 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=20 ]{103}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+83 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+83 blinding speed, 13th level arcane strike, channelled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=6 ]{89}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+98+30 crit check
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+98+30 crit check --> [ 1d20=11 ]{139}
[19:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+83 crit check
[19:19] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+83 crit check --> [ 1d20=12 ]{95}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+13d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 146/139 critted
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+13d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 146/139 critted --> [ 12d6=36 2d6=5 3d6=8 13d4=30 ]{409}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't --> [ 6d6=17 2d6=3 3d6=7 13d4=34 ]{226}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=22 2d6=8 3d6=11 13d4=31 ]{237}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=15 2d6=5 3d6=9 13d4=33 ]{227}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=17 2d6=7 3d6=12 13d4=28 ]{229}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=17 2d6=10 3d6=8 13d4=26 ]{226}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=20 2d6=9 3d6=10 13d4=27 ]{231}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=20 2d6=4 3d6=11 13d4=37 ]{237}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=16 2d6=4 3d6=10 13d4=36 ]{231}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+13d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 103/95 critted
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+13d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 103/95 critted --> [ 12d6=48 2d6=3 3d6=7 13d4=28 ]{416}
[19:20] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't
[19:20] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+13d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't --> [ 6d6=19 2d6=9 3d6=7 13d4=31 ]{231}
[19:21] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+49 SR for vampiric touch
[19:21] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+49 SR for vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=14 ]{63}
Alicia HP: 801+240/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Total damage? Everything hit.
2,443 this time. Got to pace myself!
The false celestial is torn apart - gone again.
The Gemstone of Truth is suddenly warm on your chest.
You whirl in reaction. The false celestial is there, blade coming for your neck and sized to match you. Yet you are able to parry and stop it, the blow averted. A split second later and that is gone entirely. Another lie?
Meanwhile Antenora swiftly heals her wounds as...
Do we stay or move?
She just spent two holy fury to heal 220.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 811/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 42/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 8/13 Channel Energy 13/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 16/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Keep on towards where the purple masses, it's our best shot for now.
Antenora soars ahead as far in the distance, the purple gathers once more. It's growing more intense by the moment.
Go.
Alicia shrinks down again, twisting space to bring herself closer to Antenora and grabbing on. "Just until we get close enough to do something about that."
She'll even twist space more ahead of Antenora so she can skip ahead further once she gets going.
Back to fine size and hanging onto Anty now.
Alicia HP: 505+240/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 126, CMD 110, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, -6 str, +10 dex, +2 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +7 size AC/attack, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checksPerceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
As you fly your wounds mend in part, restoring you.
110 HP from Antenora for you, and 110 HP for her.
Both of you flee. Both of you flee like a shot, but it's coming. Twin blasts, one after another as Antenora dodges and dives, desperately trying to avoid it all.
> roll 1d20+64 improved evasion
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+64 improved evasion --> [ 1d20=4 ]{68}
> roll 1d20+94 improved evasion popping MMoP
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+94 improved evasion popping MMoP --> [ 1d20=5 ]{99}
1 use left.
333 damage to both of you since Antenora still has improved evasion. What's your HP after that, Alicia?
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 588/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 38/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 8/13 Channel Energy 13/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 16/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
632/854
Is it fleeing if we're moving towards the enemy?
Alicia HP: 632/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 126, CMD 110, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, -6 str, +10 dex, +2 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +7 size AC/attack, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checksPerceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
A fair point.
Closer. Closer. You can see it closer even as you both endure. Antenora is bloodied all over, blasted but still going.
A portal? A single purple portal is ahead. Antenora swoops to avoid it, but another appears. Another. Another. Another. In moments you're surrounded by hundreds of portals. Each one has a set of golden eyes that peer out.
YOU DID NOT ESCAPE. YOU HAVE ALREADY DIED. I WILL ESCORT YOU TO OBLIVION.
The portals surround you on every side, ranging in size from a fist to large enough for several Hannas to pass through at the same time. Antenora has to pause in the air, gaze going about as you're surrounded.
Are they actual portals to another plane or just a cosmetic effect for whatever magic or fuckery is going on here?
They seem to be actual portals, but wrong somehow. You can tell they only connect to themselves.
Oh, important other point, I have greater anticipate teleportation up, so that would give us 3 rounds warning before they appear.
Alicia HP: 632/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 126, CMD 110, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, -6 str, +10 dex, +2 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +7 size AC/attack, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checksPerceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
In that case...
As you fly, you get sudden warning of portals. So many portals.
"Best pick up the pace," Alicia warns Antenora, compressing the space ahead of her out to her maximum range so she can make tracks towards where all that purple's gathering.
You fly on. The purple is before you, a great mass of energy expanding by the moment. It's concentrating, but you're there, at least.
Okay, can I actually figure anything out from looking at it now we're up close? Is it a spell? A god? A magic item? A creature? All of the above?
Take 10 for spellcraft for 86 with a divine insight I'll have alter-realitied while Anty was flying us here.
Gimme K:P as well.
Take 10 for 71 on that one too.
As near as you can tell on the fly, it's raw, destructive energy. It's a supernatural ability of vast power, not an actual spell. The only way to endure it is to not be hit in the first place.
Well, going here was a bad call!
Still, this basically worked when Lixer pulled out something similar, so Alicia zaps it with a big beam of silver fire.
Worth a try, right?
[19:26] <@Ebiris> roll 40d10
[19:26] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 40d10 --> [ 40d10=226 ]{226}
Level check real quick.
[19:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+42
[19:46] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+42 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{53}
Your silver fire crashes into the energy. A good part of it dissipates, crumbled away, but some remains. This energy slowly begins to disperse as only darkness surrounds you.
"That worked?" Antenora murmurs softly.
"For now," Alicia says, trying to get her bearings.
Have those portals appeared back where they were earlier? What about the purple that was coalescing back where they first got hit?
Yes and you don't see the latter anymore, respectively.
Otherwise it's nothing. No path, no light, nothing. Only what you provide along with Antenora.
"Maybe the plan is to have us wander around in the dark until we get bored and go home?"
As plans go it's not a bad one!
For my own reference, gimme Perception here?
[17:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+88
[17:05] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+88 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{96}
Alicia HP: 632/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 126, CMD 110, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, -6 str, +10 dex, +2 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +7 size AC/attack, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checksPerceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Nothing. Nothing as far as you can see.
It's so warm. The gem on your chest is as warm as a campfire, as opal blue light spreads. "No, you're wrong, Alicia. It's another lie." Antenora takes your hand in hers, as warm as the gemstone is against your chest. "I know it is. Look with me, look ahead."
"Of course," Alicia reverts to normal size and takes Antenora's hand in her own.
Alicia HP: 632/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Will save.
[17:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 improved mettle, 87 if it's relating to seeing through an illusion
[17:54] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+77 improved mettle, 87 if it's relating to seeing through an illusion --> [ 1d20=16 ]{93}
> roll 1d20+74 (+10 circumstance)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+74 (+10 circumstance) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{81}
Reality begins to shimmer like a heat mirage. Waves of shimmering, glass like distortion everywhere. It makes the darkness dance like twisting shadows.
Alicia looks around trying to discern some kind of pattern or weak point in the shimmering glass effect.
You can see it - a point where it seems the strongest, most distorted and shimmering. It's a bit ahead and to the left of you.
"Do you see it too? This way?" Alicia asks Antenora, pointing with her sword at that point.
"I see it," Antenora squeezes your hand, "Ready?"
"Push into it and through the lies," Alicia nods, flying with Antenora directly towards that shimmer, expression screwing up a bit as she focuses to see past the proverbial curtain.
Will again.
[19:23] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 improved mettle, 87 if it's relating to seeing through an illusion
[19:23] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+77 improved mettle, 87 if it's relating to seeing through an illusion --> [ 1d20=9 ]{86}
> roll 1d20+62
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+62 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{78}
Rolled the wrong value, it should be +74 for a total of 12 more and a grand total of 90.
It's like going through soft paper.
You stand closer. So much closer to the titan you once saw in the distance.
Each moment is a painful inhale of air thick with profanity and evil beyond words.
60ft ahead of you it looms. The statue of a woman, wrapped in transparent, colorful silks. A lifeless thing yet rendered to life, a pile of offerings at the base - gold, jewelry, food, fine cloths. It does not move save for its eyes, but its eyes of stone watch the two of you.
60ft to your left stands oblivion. Nothingness. It beckons to you without words, a promise of oblivion.
60ft to your right stands destruction. A promise to rend you to nothingness, a raw nothing that yet tears apart anything that comes close. The space on its borders constantly frays apart, crumbling to nothing.
60ft behind you, you hear a voice. "What a strange thing I've been summoned for," Malcanthet's whispers are like liquid silk to your ears. "Somehow I knew it would be you, Alicia."
Alicia glances back, looking at Malcanthet like an old friend. The one familiar demon here, a near constant of her abyssal problems. "Who else can find the time? You did find what you desired here, or so I heard. Perhaps it feels a debt is owed. Really I wouldn't even be here if you hadn't brought the place to my attention, for all that it was a fools' errand."
Alicia HP: 632/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/5/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Antenora is ready to move - but Malcanthet smiles. All sensual energy as she says, "It's telling me you have to die. Be torn apart a thousand ways - and somehow it thought a succubus was the right choice." With a dark smile, "But we demons have so little use for what others want from us, even the Abyss. As much as I want to kill you," The demon licks her lips slowly, "The other half of me wants to defy it and treat with you instead." She crooks a finger towards you, "Come here, Alicia, Antenora. Let's talk."
"We couldn't come to terms last time we treated, but things are a bit more immediate now aren't they?" Alicia says, starting to move closer to Malcanthet - though not within sword or claw reach. Little as that means for them. "Though the ruler of this layer may not give us time to negotiate."
She's willing to give it a try. Her innate sense of drama and contrary impulse says it would be more satisfying to come to some kind of terms with Malcanthet or even get her assistance against 666 as the conclusion to all of this. But of course, she's still exceedingly dangerous, and an avowed enemy, no matter how playful their sparring can seem at times.
Indeed, you have on time - for from the statue a pale purple light begins to emanate.
Antenora glances back and then ahead, "Talk quickly, I'll hold off the statue," Her tone is grim now, entirely focused. "I trust you, Alicia, but be careful."
Init.
Supreme init, DvR 5.
> roll 1d20+14 Antenora
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Antenora --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
> roll 1d20+12 Idol
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 Idol --> [ 1d20=20 ]{32}
Init is Malcanthet (Supreme) > Alicia (Supreme) > Idol (32) > Antenora (16) > Destruction (0) > Oblivion (-1)
Malcanthet snaps her fingers. Magic obeys her like a well trained servant, as a cloak of rainbow colors surrounds her. A protective spell, a ward against her as a moment later two silver orbs hover above her, one over each shoulder.
"Then let us rush to the climax together," Malcanthet declares, "Violet and peace between us. I'll even extend it to your friend Seira, I have no reason to begin a feud with hers."
Go.
Alicia is pleasantly surprised as she was expecting to have to go through a whole lot of tedious flirting to get to the point. But still a little bit of give and take is required here, and so she casts time stop to give them time for it. Experience at Rosewater tells her Malcanthet will follow her into the time stop, hopefully none of the other enemies here do as well.
Quickened maximised time stop for 5 rounds of stopped time.
Waiting to see if any of the 666 stuff follows us in before getting to actions/discussion.
Alicia HP: 632/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/4/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
It does not.
Round 1 of five. Chat away. We won't bother with init here unless it gets combatty.
Just Malcanthet.
"I want the artifact Umberlee gave you," she says as the Abyss freezes but for her and the succubus queen. "Give me that and help us here, and I'll let Violet go. I'll even agree to a truce on the Abyss and Ysgard so we don't war directly but our followers can still compete and fight as they like. Hundred years."
"Fine, but I want G'renna as well," Is Malcanthet's answer. She smiles ever so slowly, "I could use a few more well trained succubi due to recent...unpleasantness."
"You're just having fun at my expense now," Alicia says when Malcanthet tries to get two for the price of one on her demons. "Violet's worth a dozen succubi anyway, even without that artifact."
Round 2.
"Why Alicia, are you hoarding G'renna to yourself?" Malcanthet laughs lightly, a poisonously beautiful sound. "For G'renna, I'll even throw in some useful information about Torm I recently acquired."
Alicia used alter reality to heal herself some on round 1 while chatting. Cure critical wounds, maximised. She'll do the same this round."I'll judge whether it's useful or not, but Torm's of interest. Deal, I'll let them both go," Alicia accepts the terms. Might help with things in Dis, who knows? Or relate to Torm's appearance in Arcadia.
Freeing Violet and G'renna is far from ideal, but so long as she gets that artifact and stops Violet from copying skills around so freely the objective there is still attained. Otherwise it's trading two powerful manipulative and free roaming demons for the Lord of 666. Whether that's a good trade time will have to tell, but in the moment she's making the best of the situation. It at least keeps a channel open for diplomatic dealings in good faith with Malcanthet, which may prove useful down the line.
Alicia HP: 736/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/4/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Round 3.
Malcanthet merely looks pleased, "Deal. I have no doubt the master of this place is listening, but let him. Did you expect anything else, demon? Or am I a loose end to eliminate at the same time as Alicia?"
"Perhaps it considers this sufficient progress for the Abyss as a whole. Keep up when my spell ends because it's going to get very hectic," Alicia warns, taking a moment now to survey their foes.
Are destruction/oblivion spells? Monsters? Terrain? Any magic on them or the idol?
[18:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+42 CL if needed for arcane sight
[18:18] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+42 CL if needed for arcane sight --> [ 1d20=1 ]{43}
Alicia HP: 840/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/4/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
They aren't spells. More like primal forces manifested. No magic on them. The idol radiates overwhelming magic. Were you not what you are, you'd never have a chance to make it out. It has the following spells on it: Epic Mage Armor, Eternal Body, Deadly Insight.
Eternal Body grants it massive damage reduction and endurance.
Deadly Insight allows it to strike vital points for extra harm.
Do I think they'll die if I hit them hard enough?
Alicia HP: 840/854
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 108, CMD 118, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +4 str, +2 dex, +4 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +1 natural armour AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/4/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
The forces? Probably not, no.
Alicia turns into her colossal size and goes to position herself behind the idol. Then she twists space so that the nothing and the oblivion are touching each other. Might do something during stopped time or she might have to wait for events to move. Might do nothing, but it's worth a shot.
That's round 3 done with I suppose. Can do my actions for the last 2 rounds but giving time for Malcanthet to act or converse as we go.
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checksPerceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/9/14/4/9/0/5/3/4/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/21/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
I'll probably work this out in one go, so what's your plan for 4 and 5?
Did anything seem to happen when I linked squares between oblivion and nothing?
Nothing immediately happens, at least in time stop.
Perhaps it'll be more interesting when time resumes!
Round 4, wall of force 30 feet between Anty and Nothing.
Round 5, wall of force 30 feet between Anty and Oblivion. Quickened true strike.
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/5/3/4/2/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/20/11/6/1/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
At the same time Malcanthet chants - a spell to enhance the target's profane beauty. Amid that she adds, "Try not to die, Alicia. Your erinyes will become unbearably annoying if you do."
"You're the only one who'll suffer fatal consequences from dying here, so look after yourself first," Alicia fires back.
She'll never get to use that spell she made up to mess with Malcanthet, will she?
Malcanthet smirks but...
Anything else to add or ready for post time stop?
I've done my actions during the time stop.
Then reality resumes. Immediately oblivion and destruction touch - and both clash into each other, sprays of violet energy spreading out from those contacts. They seem to eat into each other as...
Anything else with your turn?
Alicia dispels the idol before attacking it!
Quickened superb dispelling with my remaining swift and then full attack.
[20:03] <@Ebiris> roll 3#1d20+45 checks for superb dispel
[20:03] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 3#1d20+45 checks for superb dispel --> [ 1d20=14 ]{59}, [ 1d20=4 ]{49}, [ 1d20=5 ]{50}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97+20 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, true strike
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+97+20 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch, true strike --> [ 1d20=17 ]{134}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+97 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=17 ]{114}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+97 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=8 ]{105}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+97 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=15 ]{112}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+92 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=8 ]{100}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+92 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+92 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=2 ]{94}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+87 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=12 ]{99}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+87 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=20 ]{107}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+82 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=16 ]{98}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+82 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+82 blinding speed, 12th level arcane strike, channeled maximised/vivacious vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=9 ]{91}
[20:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97+20 crit check
[20:10] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+97+20 crit check --> [ 1d20=14 ]{131}
[20:11] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+97 crit check
[20:11] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+97 crit check --> [ 1d20=8 ]{105}
[20:11] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+87 crit check
[20:11] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+87 crit check --> [ 1d20=14 ]{101}
[20:11] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+49 SR for vampiric touch
[20:11] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+49 SR for vampiric touch --> [ 1d20=1 ]{50}
[20:11] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+12d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 134/131 critted
[20:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+12d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 134/131 critted --> [ 12d6=48 2d6=5 3d6=7 12d4=33 ]{423}
[20:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't
[20:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't --> [ 6d6=19 2d6=8 3d6=12 12d4=31 ]{235}
[20:12] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+12d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 114/105 critted
[20:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+12d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 114/105 critted --> [ 12d6=30 2d6=7 3d6=11 12d4=25 ]{403}
[20:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't
[20:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't --> [ 6d6=21 2d6=9 3d6=11 12d4=29 ]{235}
[20:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level
[20:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=19 2d6=10 3d6=11 12d4=29 ]{234}
[20:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level
[20:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=22 2d6=8 3d6=8 12d4=30 ]{233}
[20:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level
[20:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=24 2d6=6 3d6=16 12d4=34 ]{245}
[20:12] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level
[20:12] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=23 2d6=6 3d6=11 12d4=27 ]{232}
[20:13] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+12d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 107/101 critted
[20:13] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 12d6+90+2d6+3d6+12d4+240 and 2 negative levels if 107/101 critted --> [ 12d6=33 2d6=12 3d6=12 12d4=23 ]{410}
[20:13] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't
[20:13] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level if it didn't --> [ 6d6=14 2d6=6 3d6=9 12d4=28 ]{222}
[20:13] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level
[20:13] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=26 2d6=7 3d6=11 12d4=27 ]{236}
[20:13] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level
[20:13] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+12d4+120 and 1 negative level --> [ 6d6=23 2d6=7 3d6=7 12d4=35 ]{237}
Let me know if the vampiric touch beat SR. If it didn't then that's -120 off each hit (-240 on the crits).
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/5/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/20/11/4/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
It nulls vampiric touch through other means. What types of DR do you bypass?
Good/Silver/Epic.
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/5/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/20/11/4/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Doesn't beat DR, so total damage if damage reduction is 30?
How many hit?
Oh sorry, that would help. AC is 100 on the dot.
Total damage from 3 crits and 3 hits is 678 and 9 negative levels.
Init is Malcanthet (Supreme) > Alicia (Supreme) > Idol (32) > Antenora (16) > Destruction (0) > Oblivion (-1)
Alicia's blade cuts into the profane idol. She draws no blood yet cuts away stone. It's hard going, resilient and tough. It doesn't go down as hunks of it fall away, and as it does...
Are you immune to petrification, and if so, from what source?
Yes, divine immunity.
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/5/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/20/11/4/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Rank check then. No strata bonuses apply either way.
[17:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[17:05] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{19}
> roll 1d20+2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{18}
Close.
Yet nothing more happens as you strike, and an instant later, Antenora rushes in besides you with a fearsome battle cry. Her wounds heal as she rushes in, relentless.
A heal spell this time for 150 points of healing.
> roll 1d20+100 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -10 PA, divine might) Can see it's tough enough to stop some of Alicia's hits so that means lay off the PA
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+100 (+4 charge, +1 blinding speed, +4 fiend dread, +15 smite evil, +18 furious strike, +7 Alicia, -10 PA, divine might) Can see it's tough enough to stop some of Alicia's hits so that means lay off the PA --> [ 1d20=3 ]{103}
> roll 3d8+594+2d6+2d6+10d6
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8+594+2d6+2d6+10d6 --> [ 3d8=18 2d6=10 2d6=8 10d6=30 ]{660}
No rank check since Antenora has a racial immunity to petrification.
Antenora strikes a second behind you, spear driven into its stomach. More stone is broken away but the idol does not fall. Instead from it comes black tears as it whispers in your minds:
Bow. Bow and worship me.
> roll 1d20+2 Idol
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 Idol --> [ 1d20=10 ]{12}
Rank checks, all.
> roll 1d20+2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{21}
Antenora's.
> roll 1d20+10 (+4 strata) Malcanthet
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 (+4 strata) Malcanthet --> [ 1d20=10 ]{20}
Rank check, Alicia.
[spoiler]
Antenora
HP: 738/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 37/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/13 Channel Energy 12/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 15/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used: Heal
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
[17:22] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[17:22] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{22}
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 139, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/5/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/20/11/4/16/3
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
You resist.
Internally you want to scream. A lesser soul would break at this contact, even aborted. All it promises is bowing down to her, accepting slavery under her name. All to worship a lifeless, profane idol of no meaning. You feel it in your bones, the raw wrongness of what it is. Nothing more than a statue, a pointless idol.
Yet in the meantime destruction and oblivion war. It's enough to occupy them as they both recoil away from the contact.
Malcanthet.
Malcanthet glides forward, "Now strike it down," Malcanthet commands, as seething fury fills your veins.
Seething Fury (CL 44): +10 morale bonus to strength for you and Antenora. Melee attacks deal an extra 6d6 points of damage and count as adamantine and epic to overcome damage reduction.
Go.
[spoiler]
Seething Fury (CL 44): +10 morale bonus to strength for you and Antenora. Melee attacks deal an extra 6d6 points of damage and count as adamantine and epic to overcome damage reduction.
Antenora
HP: 738/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 37/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/13 Channel Energy 12/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 15/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used: Heal
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
I absolutely want to learn that spell so a full writeup of it would be desired."Your spell selection is appreciated," Alicia says, glad she's not trying to cast anything with a moral component on them. Again she attacks the idol, using a stronger spell than vampiric touch on the logic it must be protected by something like a globe of invulnerability.
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+100 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+100 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=8 ]{108}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+100 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+100 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=9 ]{109}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+100 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+100 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=3 ]{103}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+100 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+100 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=6 ]{106}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+95 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+95 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=14 ]{109}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+95 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+95 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=7 ]{102}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+90 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+90 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=18 ]{108}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+90 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+90 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=5 ]{95}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+85 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+85 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=9 ]{94}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+85 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+85 blinding speed, 10th level arcane strike, channeled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=17 ]{102}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+90 crit check
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+90 crit check --> [ 1d20=8 ]{98}
[17:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+85 crit check
[17:49] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+85 crit check --> [ 1d20=3 ]{88}
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+49 SR for black ice touch
[17:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+49 SR for black ice touch --> [ 1d20=20 ]{69}
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6
[17:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 --> [ 6d6=16 2d6=6 3d6=12 10d4=31 6d6=19 15d6=52 ]{233}
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6
[17:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 --> [ 6d6=19 2d6=8 3d6=7 10d4=17 6d6=25 15d6=65 ]{251}
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6
[17:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 --> [ 6d6=21 2d6=2 3d6=10 10d4=31 6d6=25 15d6=57 ]{248}
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6
[17:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 --> [ 6d6=22 2d6=9 3d6=9 10d4=27 6d6=22 15d6=57 ]{248}
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6
[17:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 --> [ 6d6=19 2d6=9 3d6=6 10d4=28 6d6=25 15d6=51 ]{234}
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6
[17:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 --> [ 6d6=18 2d6=9 3d6=9 10d4=29 6d6=23 15d6=48 ]{229}
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6
[17:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 --> [ 6d6=24 2d6=7 3d6=9 10d4=29 6d6=23 15d6=58 ]{253}
[17:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6
[17:50] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 6d6+45+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 --> [ 6d6=26 2d6=7 3d6=8 10d4=24 6d6=16 15d6=46 ]{218}
[17:51] <@Ebiris> roll 8#1d4 negative levels, plus 8 more from the weapon enhancement
[17:51] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 8#1d4 negative levels, plus 8 more from the weapon enhancement --> [ 1d4=1 ]{1}, [ 1d4=2 ]{2}, [ 1d4=2 ]{2}, [ 1d4=2 ]{2}, [ 1d4=1 ]{1}, [ 1d4=2 ]{2}, [ 1d4=4 ]{4}, [ 1d4=1 ]{1}
[17:51] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 rank check to inflict them
[17:51] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+5 rank check to inflict them --> [ 1d20=7 ]{12}
I rolled damage for every attack that hit over 100 assuming AC is the same as last time.
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), seething fury (CL 44)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 144, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +10 morale strength, +6d6 melee damage
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/4/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/20/11/4/16/2
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Give me one more rank check. Good luck.
[18:00] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[18:00] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{15}
> roll 1d20+2
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{5}
Each blow is a struggle. You chip away more, ice spreading and weakening the stone further. Yet it does not yield.
But you know slavery. You've faced Hell so many times. The hesitation fades in your mind - where did it even come from - and you bring your blade down. In one strike you cut the statue in half. It breaks as reality seems to lurch to a side, the entire thing broken. The idol falls away, now nothing but ruined stone.
Antenora merely heals her wounds, a moment to recover.
Divine succorx2 for 220 healing.
The two forces recoil away entirely now, but that isn't the end. Ahead purple rapidly gathers, a familiar sight. Behind you the same, as well as far above and far below you.
Free act for the moment.
[spoiler]
Seething Fury (CL 44): +10 morale bonus to strength for you and Antenora. Melee attacks deal an extra 6d6 points of damage and count as adamantine and epic to overcome damage reduction.
Antenora
HP: 958/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 35/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/13 Channel Energy 12/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 15/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used: Heal
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
"Didn't you ever hear of the boy who cried wolf?" Alicia asks loudly, looking at the gathering purple as she brings her blade in after slaying that false idol.
"Never tell the same lie twice!"
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), seething fury (CL 44)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 144, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +10 morale strength, +6d6 melee damage
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/4/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/20/11/4/16/2
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
That seems to amuse Malcanthet for some reason, but she doesn't voice a comment.
The energy gathers more and more, rapidly just like last time.
Are you going to cling to me to dodge again, Alicia?
"No, look for the path through the lies again," she tells Antenora, shrinking to normal size and taking her hand before looking around. "This is a diversion."
Perception.
[18:47] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+88+15 divine insight on this one
[18:47] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+88+15 divine insight on this one --> [ 1d20=8 ]{111}
The Gemstone of Truth is warm on your chest. Again - there. A point where things seem wrong and right at once. A haze, a shimmer.
"This way. You too, Malcanthet," Alicia says, immediately darting towards it and pulling Antenora with her.
"Interesting trick," Malcanthet notes silkily as Antenora follows without question. You race ahead as the purple beams come - and just in time - !
The Gemstone of Truth is an inferno against your chest.
Bonds comes up just in time to block him. The false celestial's blade clashes with yours, a purple spray of ice cold sparks from the impact. His face is a rictus of rage.
The path is again before you. The false celestial is now 60ft away, large as a solar.
Everything you stand for is nothing.Truth is nothing but an illusion.Lies shall become truth.And I will consume them all!Not as long as I breathe, monster. Once I served lies. Never again.I couldn't care less about your little temper tantrum, demon prince. But a deal is a deal, and who cares if you die while I get what I want?
Rise, demons!
Standing to the left of the false celestial is a woman. She is burned horrifically and tied to the remnants of a wood stake. Her face is so charred that her blackened skull can be seen. In those empty eyes glows a face, one in each. A face of a leering woman that hungers, that devours. A tongue as long as a whip dangles from each mouth, ruby red.
To the false celestial's right is - ! Syala. Syala with an expression of pure hate, of utter loathing of you. She gazes on you in raw hatred, hands twisted into bitter claws. Not a word is said, but her gaze is like hot acid throw onto your face. She carries no weapon that you can see.
Above the false celestial is the severed head of a human. A blindfold is across its eyes, neck still glistening with fresh blood. It whispers terrible, profane things into the ear of the false celestial. The Dark Speech, words of it so vile that it chills your heart. From its neck vein-like vines begin to grow out, reaching out towards the party.
Honestly given how easy shapechanging is, it's a surprise more don't try to appear as their opponent's loved ones, twisted or otherwise. Other than chain devils which are rather famous for it.
Alicia isn't so easily unsettled.
"All the Abyss seethes with rebellion. Against morality. Against decency. Against structure. Against order," she recites, pointing her blade at the false celestial.
"You rebel against objective reality. That's all you are, a petty rebellion against that which is. There is no meaning to be had here. No power behind your words."
Give me a Diplo check, you said something right.
[19:41] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+67
[19:41] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+67 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{69}
The roar of fury is massive, a deathly din that - !
Well, you pissed him off again. Go you?
Init.
They were certainly intended as 'fighting words'.
Supreme init, DvR 5.
> roll 1d20+14 Antenora
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Antenora --> [ 1d20=6 ]{20}
> roll 1d20+20 stake woman
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+20 stake woman --> [ 1d20=17 ]{37}
> roll 1d20+6 head
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 head --> [ 1d20=2 ]{8}
Init is False Celestial (Supreme) > Malcanthet (Supreme) > Alicia (Supreme) > Syala? (Supreme) > Burnt Witch (37) > Antenora (20) > Severed Head (8)
Before you can react the false celestial faces the party as reality seems to twist. Perhaps not as bad as last time, but it spreads out like a blanket over all of you.
Will all.
Broken tags.
[20:45] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77+30 improved mettle, many moments of prescience
[20:45] <Kobot> Ebiris rolled 1d20+77+30 improved mettle, many moments of prescience --> [ 1d20=7 ]{114}
> roll 1d20+96 Antenora is absolutely using her last moment of prescience for this
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+96 Antenora is absolutely using her last moment of prescience for this --> [ 1d20=13 ]{109}
> OOC: Would probably include the alignment +10 but she got high enough.
> roll 1d20+86 Malcanthet is prepared at least
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+86 Malcanthet is prepared at least --> [ 1d20=15 ]{101}
This time, you know the trick. You know the lies.
Ever distant but bright even now, you feel the warmth of the light of Chronias behind you. An illusion? Not quite, something real, even if unseen.
Opal light comes from Antenora as she meets the false celestial's gaze, "No." A single word, a rejection so complete that it drips contempt.
Malcanthet laughs, "I know exactly what I am, little demon." Another snap of her fingers, another wave of power over all of you.
Queen's Glory: +10 morale Charisma all. Grants an additional +20 insight to Charisma based checks. CL 44.
Go.
Purely a weekend spoiler block update.
[spoiler]
Seething Fury (CL 44): +10 morale bonus to strength for you and Antenora. Melee attacks deal an extra 6d6 points of damage and count as adamantine and epic to overcome damage reduction.
Queen's Glory: +10 morale Charisma all. Grants an additional +20 insight to Charisma based checks. CL 44.
Antenora
HP: 958/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 35/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/13 Channel Energy 12/18 Lay On Hands 555/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 15/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used: Heal
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
"Your lies are hurtful, but the truth hurts more doesn't it?" Alicia asks, a twist of space bringing her closer before she enlarges in size, enough to threaten all of the foes ahead with a single deadly sweep of her blade!
Five foot step, swift to change size to colossal, quickened true strike, whirlwind attack.
[14:53] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+120 whirlwind attack, smite evil, -24 power attack, 10th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious black ice touch
[14:53] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+120 whirlwind attack, smite evil, -24 power attack, 10th level arcane strike, channelled vivacious black ice touch --> [ 1d20=9 ]{129}
[14:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+49 SR
[14:54] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+49 SR --> [ 1d20=6 ]{55}
[14:54] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+133+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6
[14:54] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 6d6+133+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 --> [ 6d6=23 2d6=5 3d6=8 10d4=20 6d6=16 15d6=61 ]{327}
[14:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 rank check to inflict negative levels
[14:54] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+5 rank check to inflict negative levels --> [ 1d20=2 ]{7}
[14:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d4 negative levels if that goes through, +1 more from holy power
[14:54] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d4 negative levels if that goes through, +1 more from holy power --> [ 1d4=3 ]{3}
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), seething fury (CL 44)
Defences: AC 113, CMD 144, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +10 morale strength, +10 morale charisma, +6d6 melee damage
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/3/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/19/11/4/16/1
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Give me a d100 for miss chance, thanks.
I used true strike specifically to avoid miss chance but in case it's one that doesn't use concealment...
[16:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[16:28] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=7 ]{7}
Init is False Celestial (Supreme) > Malcanthet (Supreme) > Alicia (Supreme) > Syala? (Supreme) > Burnt Witch (37) > Antenora (20) > Severed Head (8)
> roll 1d20+3 Syala
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+3 Syala --> [ 1d20=20 ]{23}
False Celestial and Witch have other immunities, head takes the negative level on the chin.
Alicia's blade cuts deep. The false celestial is blooded, blade drawing no blood but cutting deep. Syala bares her teeth as her shoulder is gashed open as she's slammed back. As the head is dashed into the ground, rising back up, Syala leaps at you with savage, hungry anger, going to tear right into you.
Provokes AoO.
[16:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 AoO taken, same mods as the whirlwind attack
[16:50] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+77 AoO taken, same mods as the whirlwind attack --> [ 1d20=17 ]{94}
[16:50] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+77 AoO taken, same mods as the whirlwind attack crit check
[16:50] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+77 AoO taken, same mods as the whirlwind attack crit check --> [ 1d20=1 ]{78}
[16:50] <@Ebiris> roll 12d6+266+2d6+6d6+10d4+6d6+4*15d6 if it critted
[16:50] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 12d6+266+2d6+6d6+10d4+6d6+4*15d6 if it critted --> [ 12d6=28 2d6=5 6d6=17 10d4=25 6d6=24 15d6=60 ]{605}
[16:50] <@Ebiris> roll 6d6+133+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 if it didn't
[16:51] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 6d6+133+2d6+3d6+10d4+6d6+2*15d6 if it didn't --> [ 6d6=24 2d6=10 3d6=15 10d4=27 6d6=19 15d6=55 ]{338}
-15 damage or -30 on a crit since I forgot to subtract the smite evil damage there.
Yet Syala's too fast, growing larger to pounce on you, claws out and a mouthful of teeth to tear into you.
> roll 1d20+136 (+66 ???)
> roll 1d20+136 (+66 ???)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+136 (+66 ???) --> [ 1d20=18 ]{154}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+136 (+66 ???) --> [ 1d20=17 ]{153}
> roll 1d20+131 (+66 ???) bite
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+131 (+66 ???) bite --> [ 1d20=9 ]{140}
> roll 1d20+136 (+66 ???) crit check claw 1
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+136 (+66 ???) crit check claw 1 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{139}
> roll 1d20+136 (+66 ???) crit check claw 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+136 (+66 ???) crit check claw 2 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{146}
AC/miss chance?
118, no miss chance.
Alicia HP: 1136/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), seething fury (CL 44)
Defences: AC 118, CMD 149, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +10 morale strength, +10 morale charisma, +6d6 melee damage
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/3/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/19/11/4/16/1
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
> roll 1d20+136 (+66 ???)
> roll 1d20+136 (+66 ???)
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+136 (+66 ???) --> [ 1d20=18 ]{154}
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+136 (+66 ???) --> [ 1d20=17 ]{153}
> roll 1d20+131 (+66 ???) bite
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+131 (+66 ???) bite --> [ 1d20=9 ]{140}
> roll 1d20+136 (+66 ???) crit check claw 1
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+136 (+66 ???) crit check claw 1 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{139}
> roll 1d20+136 (+66 ???) crit check claw 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+136 (+66 ???) crit check claw 2 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{146}
> roll 4d10+172+3d6 crit 1
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 4d10+172+3d6 crit 1 --> [ 4d10=15 3d6=12 ]{199}
> roll 4d10+172+3d6 crit 2
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 4d10+172+3d6 crit 2 --> [ 4d10=29 3d6=11 ]{212}
> roll 1d8+76 bite
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d8+76 bite --> [ 1d8=5 ]{81}
> roll 4d10+106 rend
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 4d10+106 rend --> [ 4d10=27 ]{133}
DR applies. HP after that?
571/1150
Alicia HP: 571/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 37), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), seething fury (CL 44)
Defences: AC 118, CMD 149, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +10 morale strength, +10 morale charisma, +6d6 melee damage
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/3/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/19/11/4/16/1
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Those claws sink in - and tear her chest even though they're far too small, as if they were sized to hurt her. Blood flows as she bites into your flesh, chewing noisily, "Alicia, you always beg for my kisses," she mocks as you endure, moving to force her back. It buys you precious moments as...
Init is False Celestial (Supreme) > Malcanthet (Supreme) > Alicia (Supreme) > Syala? (Supreme) > Burnt Witch (37) > Antenora (20) > Severed Head (8)
From the Burnt Witch comes a whisper of flame, one that caresses all of you like a lover's embrace, hot as hellfire. Flames dance around you front, sides and back as if you were engulfed in them.
> roll 1d20+47
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+47 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{55}
Beats up to SR 55. Note if it doesn't beat yours. Otherwise, fort all. Pierces immunity and resistance as you'd expect here.
[17:38] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+98 improved mettle
[17:38] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+98 improved mettle --> [ 1d20=6 ]{104}
> roll 1d20+74 mettle Antenora
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+74 mettle Antenora --> [ 1d20=1 ]{75}
> roll 1d20+84 Malcanthet
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+84 Malcanthet --> [ 1d20=10 ]{94}
240 fire damage all. Alicia takes none thanks to mettle, Antenora takes none thanks to mettle and Malcanthet takes half. Antenora's very happy she has divine rank to cover that 1.Yet Alicia's seen worse, fared with worse. She endures the fire even as her front is bloodstained and bloodied now, enduring the wet sounds of Syala chewing.
Antenora is simply at your side, her hand sufficient to mend your wounds.
Antenora's up. She drops her entire lay on hands bank on Alicia for 555 points of healing. 110 more from divine succor for 665 healing. She uses her other swift for Opal Inviolability on you. It grants the following benefits:
Opal Inviolability
Abjuration [Good]
Level: Pal 7
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Short (25ft + 5ft/2 levels)
Target: 1 creature
Duration: 1 round/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
This spell wreathes the target in an opal aura. The target gains several bonuses, all of which only apply against attacks from evil creatures: Spell resistance equal to 12 + caster level, +4 sacred bonus to armor class and saving throws, damage reduction 10/- and a protection from evil effect. In addition, the target gains immunity to the unholy damage of a unholy weapon, the unholy damage of a spell modified with the corrupt spell metamagic, the fear aura of devils and the form of madness of obyriths.Meanwhile the head rises and returns to the false celestial, whispering horrid words of the Dark Speech to him.
Then, with a howl of fury, the false celestial matches you. His size matches yours as other opponents are pushed aside, just the two of you.
THERE WILL BE NO MERCY!
The Gemstone of Truth glows crimson hot against your chest.
There are many of him that fan out, but it's a lie. Only one is before you, the others little more than phantasms. As you bring up your sword to defend yourself, Syala snarling away, you can see even this one is a phantasm. A lie.
Give me a Will save.
[spoiler]
Seething Fury (CL 44): +10 morale bonus to strength for you and Antenora. Melee attacks deal an extra 6d6 points of damage and count as adamantine and epic to overcome damage reduction.
Queen's Glory: +10 morale Charisma all. Grants an additional +20 insight to Charisma based checks. CL 44.
Antenora
HP: 958/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 34/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/13 Channel Energy 12/18 Lay On Hands 0/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 15/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used: Heal, Opal Inviolability
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Alicia only needs 290 healing because of sensual blessing, so that gives Anty another swift to play with if she wants.
[18:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+91 improved mettle
[18:19] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+91 improved mettle --> [ 1d20=9 ]{100}
Alicia HP: 1150/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 39), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), seething fury (CL 44), opal inviolability (CL 37)
Defences: AC 122, CMD 153, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement, immunity to unholy damage
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +10 morale strength, +10 morale charisma, +6d6 melee damage, +4 sacred AC/saves
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/3/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/19/11/4/16/1
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
She'll drop Opal Fury on herself.
> roll 1d20+76 Antenora
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+76 Antenora --> [ 1d20=1 ]{77}
Ice cold today.
It's a lie. Another lie. The blade doesn't seem real even as you block it. Is it all a lie? The Gemstone is so warm against you.
'In the name of Sealtiel, I will...'
'Holy Ilmater, I take on...'
'Wise Moradin, we ask that you bless...'
It echos in your mind. Prayers that you heard in Chronias, returned to mind as if you just heard them anew.
Go ahead and react.
[spoiler]
Seething Fury (CL 44): +10 morale bonus to strength for you and Antenora. Melee attacks deal an extra 6d6 points of damage and count as adamantine and epic to overcome damage reduction.
Queen's Glory: +10 morale Charisma all. Grants an additional +20 insight to Charisma based checks. CL 44.
Opal Fury: +4 sacred strength, +3d6 damage vs evil.
Antenora
HP: 958+200/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 35/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/13 Channel Energy 12/18 Lay On Hands 0/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 15/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used: Heal, Opal Inviolability, Opal Fury
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
Alicia doesn't waste her time on blocking what she knows are nothing.
"There's not a lie in Creation that can stand up to the truth when it outs," she says.
This time the roar of anger is deafening. As one they shatter - The Burnt Witch, the head, the False Celestial and even Malcanthet.
The Gemstone of Truth is painfully hot against your chest, burning far hotter than lava.
"What-" Antenora begins, already at the ready. All around you is nothing again, only the fury of your foe.
There's no meaning! Nothing! Your truth is nothing! The truth and lies are what I make of it, and I will see Creation devoured!
The spells Malcanthet bestowed on you are gone.
[spoiler]
Opal Fury: +4 sacred strength, +3d6 damage vs evil.
Antenora
HP: 958+200/959
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil) Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Divine 20ft (various)
Bonuses: Attack+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Damage+0 AC+3 (+3 luck), Saves+7 (+3 luck, +4 morale), Skills+4 (+4 morale), Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 35/42 (enc) Divine Retribution 1/1 Smite Evil 7/13 Channel Energy 12/18 Lay On Hands 0/555 Remove Disease 11/11 (week), Spiritual Connection 3/3 Blinding Speed 15/25 Divine Blast 18/18
Spells Used: Heal, Opal Inviolability, Opal Fury
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Greater Heroism (CL37), Recitation (CL37), Many Moments of Prescience (CL39), Nondetection (CL40), Freedom Of Movement (CL37)
Notes: Can always inflict nonlethal with attacks, spells, SLAs and abilities.
Smite Notes: +2 damage/paladin level on a charging smite. Each point of favored PA on charge is worth 9 points of damage, post charge multiplier (15 on crit).
Typical Charging Numbers: 36 for base smite damage, 72 for charging smite +2 per per level. So 108 bonus damage baseline. Raw attack plus smite is 1d8+147+2d6+2d6 (+4/+4d6 if fiendbane hits). Doesn't include other factors.
Remember everything triples and x5 on a crit when adding things.
"The only truth here is how miserable you are!" Alicia shoots back. "That's what it always comes down to, doesn't it? Meaning is what we make of it, and you can't even muster that!"
Alicia HP: 1150/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 39), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), opal inviolability (CL 37)
Defences: AC 117, CMD 143, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement, immunity to unholy damage
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +4 sacred AC/saves
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/3/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/19/11/4/16/1
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Toss a Charisma check out there, +21 bonus.
[19:12] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+46
[19:12] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+46 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{60}
The scream echos in the air.
The Gemstone of Truth is pure fire as it shatters, the flaming remnants of it lighting the way ahead.
A path of glitter and fire appears, leading deeper into this forsaken place.
"Well that's the end of that. Come on Antenora," Alicia says, surging through that path of remnants.
Hopefully her words had some effect.
"Lies. It wants us to believe the lies," Antenora murmurs, "That's why it took the form of Malcanthet. We'd believe her doing that. Validate the lies."
"The gem never reacted to her either," Alicia adds. She'll have to talk with Malcanthet after this is over.
"We may have a problem then," Antenora shakes her head, "She fulfilled her end of it she was real, to the limit of her ability. Nevermind that, we have other problems."
"Discuss it after all this," Alicia agrees as they race along the glittering path of flaming emerald shards.
On ward.
'Great Demon Lord Of Hate...'
'Umberlee, Bitch Queen, smite those. I hate..'
'I hate them, master! I hate them!'
'Kill, kill, kill them all! In your name the hated die, Orcus!'
You begin to hear it. Countless whispers of maledictions.
'This miserable, hateful world should vanish!'
'Crush this hateful warmth, Frostmaiden...'
So much hatred, and for what? Nothing. Nothing is made by destruction. The truth will be there no matter how much you rage against it. It is our fate and our duty to see the truth and make what we can of it, but we know that there is something greater than us.
What do you have, demon?
"Are you telling us this is your truth? Hatred directed outwards?" Alicia asks. "Or is it just another lie to cover the inward hate?"
There is no direct answer. Instead they rain down. Countless prayers, countless wishes. Whispers of malice. In that rain, lying ahead of you and impossibly vast, lies the false celestial. it faces you, expression one of open loathing and raw hate.
It is a rotted thing, the scent of decayed flesh and waste an overwhelming tide. Compared to it you are naught but a speck, as if an ant put against the mass of an entire continent. Crawling along it like maggots are human sized instances of the false celestial, they skitter and move away whenever your gaze comes on them. Your visions is not adequate to see it all and yet you do.
It is drenched in these profane prayers. They cover it in the hatred of every whisper of those of the Abyss to ravage, to consume, to destroy.
See what you sought, fools.
Your mind recoils instinctively. This is...!
Every word of hate whispered in Creation. Every prayer to the Abyss, to the demons, to the deities of evil are mine to feast on.
Antenora takes a step back, spear at the ready as it bursts with light, a nova of blue brighter than you've ever seen before.
I've let you come this far. Look on me, oh rulers of this Creation, and despair!
Charisma check. +7 sacred bonus. Good luck.
[16:49] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+32
[16:49] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+32 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{48}
Alicia HP: 1150/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 39), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), opal inviolability (CL 37)
Defences: AC 117, CMD 143, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement, immunity to unholy damage
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +4 sacred AC/saves
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/3/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/19/11/4/16/1
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
> roll 1d20+28
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+28 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{48}
It's too much. Not even a deity can endure this. No one can endure every moment of malice you've felt here. Raw, primal terror fills you. You have to get away, you have to scream. The hatred will engulf you entirely. There will be no hope, no mercy. You feel its hunger, its desire to destroy. You are but a child in the dark, the unreasoning fear of childhood all you know.
Antenora's hand is warm in your own. She grabs it and holds it tight. It's like a dash of cold water against your face. Her own expression is one of horror as she squeezes your hand as tight as she can. She makes a sound, a whimper.
It gives you a moment to breathe. A moment to realize it's so bright. Light comes from you, a sustaining force. Slowly, with a will shaken and cracked, you push away the horror. You master yourself, you refuse to be overwhelmed by this tide.
WHY?
They came here of their own will. Not at my plan. All because they saw something that Creation would be better without, and they knew well the risks.
You need not blame me. Rattled as they are, they have already rejected you.
Paladins are supposed to be beyond fear, after all!
Still, rather unsettling.
"You have a lot of power," she admits grudgingly, squeezing Antenora's hand back. "But no substance."
A breath, a moment to centre herself.
"Where is Colke?"
Flesh opens. Within is a cocoon of flesh, where acids eat away at something - or someone - inside.
I will consume everything and everyone. This is just the beginning.
NO! Not this time, not ever again! I won't let you hurt them. I won't let you hurt HER!Antenora looks on, composure slowly regained. "One truth that not even you can change is that Alicia is everything to me. I will lay down my life and soul to protect her. You will never consume her as long as I live."
Calm yourself, Antenora. That coccoon, that figure. Is it real or another lie?
"Let Colke go, and this can all end," Alicia says mildly, her calm and composure returning by the second. "We'll leave you in peace if you can grant that small mercy."
Give me a Diplomacy check, I suppose.
[17:35] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+67
[17:35] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 1d20+67 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{72}
That look. Pure loathing - but a black portal appears. The mass inside appears in the portal and gone.
LEAVE.
Antenora?
She does not want to have to do this all over again because they got lied to at the end.
> roll 1d20+58
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+58 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{62}
I don't believe he's lying. I don't think he likes those strong enough to resist him. A bully, perhaps.
"Where have you sent Colke?" Alicia asks before they go.
Obviously she'll be checking this afterwards.
Alicia HP: 1150/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 39), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), opal inviolability (CL 37)
Defences: AC 117, CMD 143, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement, immunity to unholy damage
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +4 sacred AC/saves
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/3/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/19/11/4/16/1
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
The portal clears. You see the mass lie on broken ground - and you can see the first layer of the Abyss. Pazunia is spread out before you, in the distance the sounds and sight of the Blood War glimpsed, devils crashing into demons.
"Remember this," Alicia says, "Because we will." And then she plane-shifts herself and Antenora to the astral plane.
This time there is no resistance.
It's like a new world. Everything is clearer, the oppression of that horrible place gone as the two of you float in the timeless Astral.
Alicia doesn't waste any time casting a gate to Pazunia where she saw that coccoon. "Get Colke, Antenora."
Alicia HP: 1150/1150
Active spells: Many moments of prescience (CL 39), extended mind blank (CL 40), extended nondetection (CL 40), greater heroism (CL 37), extended ray deflection (CL 40), epic mage armour (CL 37), sensual blessing (CL 39), greater foresight (CL 39), keen edge (CL 37 on sword), dance of the unicorn (CL 37), extended greater anticipate teleportation (CL 39), repelling shield (CL 39), freedom of movement (CL 37), greater visage of the deity (CL 37), recitation (CL 37), good hope (CL 37), Latha's sunmantle (CL 40), opal inviolability (CL 37)
Defences: AC 117, CMD 143, spell resistance 52, energy immunity (fire and cold), status immunity (polymorph, petrification, disease, poison, stunning, sleep, paralysis, death effects, disintegration, energy drain, ability damage, ability drain, mind-affecting, and fear), nondetection (DC 55), freedom of movement, immunity to unholy damage
Stat buffs/penalties: +4 morale attack/skills/saves, +10 armour AC, +25 competence perception, +7 insight AC/ref, +40 str, -2 dex, +20 con, +2 int, +4 wis, +4 cha, +15 natural armour AC, -7 size attack/AC, +9 shield AC, +3 luck AC/attack/saves, +2 morale ability checks, +4 sacred AC/saves
Perceptions: Arcane sight, 5 mile tremorsense/blindsight/scent perception +88
Sorcerer spell slots: 6/16/16/12/9/7/14/4/9/0/2/3/3/1/2/0
Duskblade spell slots: 6/23/23/19/11/4/16/1
Moments of prescience left: 4
Quick-casts left: 0
Antenora grabs Colke - an indistinct, acid burned mess - and comes right back through.
Alicia closes the portal, returning to her normal size before she touches Colke and infuses the healing power of silver fire through him.
Regenerate function of silver fire.
[19:17] <@Ebiris> roll 4d8+35
[19:17] <Rei-chan> Ebiris rolled : 4d8+35 --> [ 4d8=10 ]{45}
HP healed.
Colke seems...oddly undefined. Asleep, restored. Almost like clay before the sculptor's touch. Antenora inspects him before, "It's like...he isn't finished? Or he lost being finished."
"Might need Sulia or an expert in healing to look at this, but give me a moment," Alicia says. She plane shifts them back to Sylica first, an empty bedroom in Liberton made available for Colke while Alicia's silver fire recharges inside herself before she employs it again.
Greater Restoration function this time.
No change. Antenora lays Colke onto the bed. "We'll need an expert," Antenora agrees with that. "Alicia, are you well?"
"Hopefully better than the Lord of 666 after all of that," Alicia says, straightening up. "We came to rescue Colke, and that's what we achieved. We stood true to ourselves in spite of everything thrown at us. It doesn't matter that we didn't triumph in a slash of a blade and spray of blood, because we won where it counts," she taps a hand over her breast, "In the battle of ideals."
Antenora smiles. It's a slow but honest smile, "For a moment, we stood before one of the most profane things in Creation and we triumphed. I fear we came closer to disaster in this battle than any other, but once again here we stand."
"It was very dicey at times, don't doubt that," Alicia agrees. "But from such struggles we are tempered. Still..." she exhales, stepping away from the bed. "Before I call Sulia to look at this, or ask Jessica what happened with the false Colkes... a debt is owed."
Do you have a moment, Malcanthet?
Also, is there a name for the artifact Malcanthet and Violet bought from Umberlee? It never came up in text but presumably we identified it by some means offscreen.
Urvala.
Yes, darling?
Please no darling. Would you like Violet and G'renna back?
Of course I would.
Then the deal is I'll free them in exchange for Urvala; the artifact you purchased from Umberlee that facilitates Violet's craft, and we will refrain from attacking each other in the Abyss and Ysgard respectively for one hundred years.
Aren't you in a mood? What's the catch?
The Abyss did me a turn in your name. Against the Abyss so the sum zeroes out, but you know how I'm a stickler for a fair deal.
What a fascinating idea. Accepted.
No sense wasting time, so Alicia's avatar goes to retrieve Violet and G'renna's soul crystals from their prison underneath Penance. Perhaps there's more hope for them if they're out and have freedom to reflect on their actions, but sending them back to Shendilvari likely isn't going to give them much quality introspection.
Regardless, she made a deal, and it was true from her end despite all the lies around it. Her actions have meaning and thus consequences, even ones she'd rather avoid.
Come to Dxun, on the astral plane. We'll make the exchange there. No sense waiting, I'm sure you're eager to see such experienced demons re-enter your service.
She selects an isolated location on the astral plane, an island of time frozen jungle shrouded in a potent anti-magic effect. Not that it'll bother her or Malcanthet.
I just made a place up that seems reasonable, if it's a problem let me know.
It'll work. Any prep for this trip out? Antenora will come just to see the end of this through.
We're still pretty well buffed up so lets just go now.
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=70 ]{70}
Dxun is a fragment of jungle preserved like a ship in a bottle. Amid the lush greenery a throne has risen, a throne of razors. The trees around it have become sharp, brighter, angular. Here Malcanthet sits, seemingly alone.
At least to mortal eyes. You can feel another presence. A great, looming fury behind her. A balor, overshadowing the Succubus Queen like a mountain. He is nude, no weapon carried but both hands huge, strong. Branded into his forehead are six letters of Abyssal, a word of the Dark Speech unthinkably foul.
Malcanthet wears naught but a few wisps of silk and an indulgent smirk, none of which cover her in any meaningful way. "Alicia, so wonderful of you to see good sense."
"We keep our word, even if we dearly wish we did not," Antenora says coolly, eyes on Malcanthet. "Where's Urvala?"
The balor produces a cloth sack, "It's in there," Malcanthet waves a hand, "You're welcome to confirm it's in there."
> roll 1d20+69 planes, +15 DI
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+69 planes, +15 DI --> [ 1d20=4 ]{73}
"And the balor is?" Antenora asks, shortly.
"Oh, a new friend," Malcanthet lightly declares, "A surprise to all of Creation, so don't be surprised that you don't know him. It seemed only fair to bring him - Alicia brought one of her girl toys, I should bring one of my boy toys."
The balor stays silent, a glare like an impending meteor swarm about to burst down on you. He slowly cracks his knuckles - and Malcanthet stops him with the barest murmur. "Now now, you are strong, but a demon who doesn't respect the divine is soon consigned to oblivion. Don't imagine you can intimidate them. I'd hate to have to replace you already."
Alicia had hoped to get here first, but Malcanthet probably came over while they were talking.
"And of course any hostility would ruin the entire arrangement," Alicia says, a ruby and an amethyst held in her hand. "Hand over Urvala then, I'm sure you'll get lots of use out of these two even without its aid."
The bag is tossed over and Antenora catches it. She peeks in and simply says, "It's in there."
"Now then," Malcanthet merely awaits you, seemingly content to agree with the word of a paladin. "Unless you'd rather keep G'renna around. Perhaps as my first official diplomat to Sylica? I'm sure she'd find a suitable position to serve you in."
"No, in fact I'd view her return as a violation of our truce," Alicia says, trusting Antenora and of course knowing that if they do discover they've been given a fake it will also end that truce and she'll respond violently.
An unbinding spell releases Violet and G'renna both from confinement, lilitu and succubus both appearing before Alicia.
Violet lands in a crouch, eyes dazed, empty. She blinks them clear immediately and looks about, before a slow smile blossoms on her face.
G'renna is far more out of it. She lands face down on the ground and doesn't rise right away.
Both come to Malcanthet with a snap of her fingers, pulled over by her ill. Violet turns, her gaze nothing but contempt. G'renna looks up at you - blank for several moments, before a look of sorrow passes over her features.
"Too bad," Malcanthet says, "Then if there's nothing else?"
"We're done," Alicia says, her own expression controlled. Given the state G'renna was in when she had to be sealed away, the sorrow rings hollow as an affectation.
"Oh. That bounty you have on us? Get rid of it or put it up to something actually worth the risk," she adds to Malcanthet before she and Antenora plane shift back to Sylica.
Malcanthet's laughter echos with you as you depart.
I think we can do away with such a thing, don't you?
Once home Antenora exhales. "I...admire your conviction to keeping your word, Alicia, even if we were flagrantly manipulated. I'm not sure I would have kept it if it were up to myself. I wavered."
"Isn't it funny how it all worked out?" Alicia asks. "We never would have had anything to do with 666 if Malcanthet hadn't dangled that bait in front of our noses, and now here we are. The Abyss looks after its own."
She scoffs and takes a look at Urvala for herself. "I hope Colke is worth the trade, but he doesn't really matter. I had to stand for the truth, even amidst so many lies. There is meaning in what we say and do."
"We stood for what we were. We won today," Antenora agrees. Quieter, "Chronias changed you, or perhaps you carry a little of that light in your soul now. I wish to go, but I fear that even veiled I may not return." She goes to the nearest couch in this quiet bedroom and sits, and invites you over with a gesture. "I remember when Latha spoke of the Apex of Prayer. This struck me as the same thing, but in reverse. A monster birthed from every vile wish and hateful desire that finds its way to the Abyss."
"The Abyss doesn't have the same structure for such a figure to lead, but all the same it's a counterpart to Zaphkiel much like Asmodeus is," Alicia sits down as well, taking a moment.
"Our roles in Creation give us power, but they bind us too. We embody what we stand for, even to our detriment - but my hope is that the value of truth will win out in the long term, that the impression we left behind us in the Abyss will resonate in ways we can't predict or see in the short term, but nonetheless matter."
Antenora takes your hand. "I'll be there to see it with you when it does," She promises, "I'll-"
"Okay, you're laying it on thick, even for you," Syala quips as she appears at your other side. "Are you well, Antenora?"
"I haven't known true fear in a long time," Antenora confesses, "But when I grasped what we saw, where we were and what we faced? I knew the blackest fear. It affected even us. We glimpsed something that not even a deity is meant to see in Creation. The only thing that saved us is that we didn't bend to it. We stayed truthful."
"Its lies were powerful, and almost overwhelmed us," Alicia says. "What happened with the other Colkes?"
"They're all asleep now." Syala explains, "It's not a normal sleep, either." She rises and lays her hand on the forehead of the true Colke nearby. "When robbed of everything that we were, what do we choose to be? I'm rather fond of Jessica's answer to that, but it's not our choice to make."
"I'll ask Sulia to have a look at the original one, she might have insights," Alicia says. Getting up herself and walking over, she takes out the scissors of unbinding. "Also, to make sure there's no lingering connection," a little snip, just enough to draw blood on the forearm before she heals it.
It is done. There's no visible effect, but Colke sleeps all the same. Syala watches a few moments before, "I think a moment of rest would do you both good now."
"You're not wrong. It's been a very long day," Alicia agrees, tucking the scissors away. "He'll keep until tomorrow."
A deck by the beach. Here as you look on at the night time ocean and shoreline a comfortable seat gives you a wonderful view, on the side and a mere turn of the head letting you see it all. Syala fusses over both you and Antenora - the latter dressed a short skirt and old, frayed tunic. She sips a glass of ambrosia and listens to the crash of the waves.
Syala works away at a cookfire built into the deck, which doesn't even singe the wood around it. The scent of cooking meat and vegetables fills the air. "I just sent an invite to the others if they want to show up," Syala calls back.
Antenora makes a noise of affirmation as she sits next to you. "My avatar just read an official dispatch from Dweomerheart. Mystra's all but officially on a war footing now. It's an open secret to anyone who visits Dweomerheart. I hear parts of Elysium are doing the same in response. No one can ignore the fact Mystra's preparing for war."
"No one can. I hear the Gates of the Moon are more prepared these days as well, but to a lesser degree. Then again, Selune knows well how to hide things in the night." Syala calls back as she works away.
Marie appears amidst all this, wearing a poufy ballgown which then morphs into something skimpier and suitable for the beach. "Just looked in on Colke. All that for a featureless flesh golem?" she asks, deliberately provocative.
"I'm hoping Sulia might be able to restore him, even then I don't expect we'll get any meaningful answers out of it," Alicia says with a look over to Marie as she sits back in one of her usual black bodysuits, sans armour.
"No, we won't," Marie agrees. "He's just another victim we'll help and send on his way with a pouch of gold and a pat on the head. I'm not trying to come down on the concept of helping others, but lots of other people need help that isn't nearly as costly as all this was for us. I'm actually glad you got a truce with Malcanthet because that's the second time we've been completely played by her. I could use a break!"
Antenora half scowls at that. She takes a breath before, "Marielle," she begins primly. "We didn't get played by Malcanthet this time. I think she was lucky by circumstance. 666's actions aren't within her purview to control."
Syala works the food over the grill, back to all of you as she does that. Nonetheless, she adds, "It feels like we should've accomplished more," she notes. "Perhaps we're too conditioned to expect rewards. I'm perfectly happy to give Alicia a big reward tonight," she smiles as she turns, hand on her hip, "But there's a sense we're out of our depth lately. First Malcanthet, then Talona and now Malcanthet again."
Latha appears behind Antenora, starting to slowly and gently rub her shoulders. She whispers a soothing word to her before, "Even a mistake and a defeat is a worthy reward, if you learn from it."
"Latha?" Antenora adds after a beat, "I love you, but save the trite little maxims for mortals who need the guidance." Her eyes are closed at that, expression tight. "I'm angry at Marie because she has a point, even if I disagree with the particulars of her assessment. I'm angry because I feel like we should have listened to Lord Zaphkiel's warnings and waited, we needed more power. I'm angry because Heavens above, we're supposed to win, because if we don't, our loss paves the way for so much suffering and evil. I'm angry because..."
Here Antenora opens her eyes and sighs, her anger seeming to deflate within her, "I'm thankful that Alicia chose to retreat, because I don't believe we had the slightest chance if it came to true combat." After a moment, "And worst of all, I'm angry because I feel like I failed you, Alicia. I'm sorry. I should have been stronger and fought better."
"Was she just lucky by circumstance, or did the Abyss itself have a hand in things? We relied on that gemstone of truth that came from a demon, and failed at just the right moment to see through the lie of the false Malcanthet," Alicia says. "There's no fault in you Antenora, we lost not because of lack of strength, but for a lack of cleverness. Marie's right, the Abyss has a better track record against us than Shar does, at least a truce secures that flank for a little while."
Marie just nods, seemingly satisfied by Antenora's reaction. "You should be angry," she agrees. "And if you want to champion truth then don't kid yourself that this was any kind of victory. I know lies and the ones you tell yourself are the worst."
"I'm angry but I'm not going to scream and punch walls about it. An entire town died, two powerful demons roam free, and all we have to show for it is a magic item worthless to us and whatever Colke turns out to be," Alicia says, standing up now. "So I'm taking what I can from the experience. We stood up enough to 666 to perhaps give it pause in the future, and the experience steeled our psyches against future horrors and attempts to undermine us. All that though... and we need to stop being so easily led by the nose. Every link in this chain of events was tied to the Abyss. Malcanthet, 666, Talona, the Man of Winds. Everything was working against us even when we couldn't see it."
There's silence as that's digested. "For what little it's worth," Syala says thoughtfully, "I think we're seeing this too much like Baator. Too organized a deception and a plan. Certainly Malcanthet can do that, but more that..." A wave of her hand, "The Abyss maliciously took advantage of the opportunities it had. If nothing else, I don't think the Man of the Winds lied to us or wanted us to fail. As much as I hate to admit it, his words had a ring of truth to them and still do."
"Scant comfort," Antenora's voice has an acidic bite to it, then she sighs, "Sorry. I knew better than that and I indulged in petty anger instead." Antenora sits back, eyes closed as she rests against Latha's chest. Latha smiles gently and rubs her head, soothing.
Syala comes over as a seat appears beneath her bottom. Wicker and pads, comfortable. "We knows the planes are alive after Bytopia and can act in their own interests. I think that was the one lesson we didn't absorb in this entire affair. The Abyss is alive, and even if individual children of it deal with us in an acceptable way, it'll still conspire against us. We're not mortals who can be ignored, but we're the rulers of Creation worth a plane's spite - let alone when we meddle with something like 666."
'We need to talk after this, love,' Antenora sends to Marie in the meantime. 'Privately. Not about this, I'm not angry at you.'
Marie goes to help herself to some of Syala's cooking in the meantime. "I'm not just the peppy little familiar anymore, I'm a goddess and that means delivering harsh truths where they're needed," she says unapologetically. 'But of course I can still be peppy and fun later!'
"We're too reliant on the trope of the Abyss always being at war with itself. Yet more complacency," Alicia says as she follows Marie to get something to eat.
"To summarize, even Aamuel and Hathradiah can sometimes agree," Syala says as food as gotten. A little lull in the conversation, a break to digest and eat.
Antenora slowly works on a kebab, gaze out on the ocean. "I asked Lord Zaphkiel what lesson we should learn from this," she breaks the silence. "He graciously answered me."
"Well?" Latha's attention instantly turns to Antenora. "What did he say?"
"He said that our souls stood against lies and that was a triumph." Antenora says, "He then asked me if I had discerned why the False Celestial did not kill lightly." Another bite, "I told him that I thought I knew, but that wisdom is best when proven holy. So he told me. The Abyss destroys. That's the essence of the demons. What of a demon who can destroy without the need to kill? A demon that can ruin without a drop of blood to be spilled? Is that not far closer to an Answer than any demon who kills simply to kill?"
A pause as waves lap against the shore. "He said that we won a more important battle than to kill him, and that when we talk to Colke, we'll understand. That the moment he spoke to the False Celestial, the battle had been decided in truth."
"I had that feeling," Alicia admits. "Zaphkiel wouldn't intervene to decide the outcome, when he spoke it was already settled. Although honestly I expected my request for mercy for Colke to be rebuffed anyway."
Look in yourselves, Alicia and Antenora.
Antenora merely focuses inward, eyes closed as she obeys without question.
Alicia takes a breath and does the same, introspective.
Not hard when you're One.
It isn't.
You see truth. Truth and light. A light that stood against lies, forged in every moment in 666. A strength of meaning that defines you to your core, raw and vital.
Though you did not understand at the time, and could not, you have grown from your victory. You have Competed against 666 and triumphed. Claim what is yours.
Alicia reaches in and pulls, drawing that strength to the surface, fortifying herself with the truth. Bitter though it may be for how all of this played out, it's an axiom that the truth is never easy for a reason.
You feel it strengthen you, flow into your very essence.
Divine rank rises by one. Congratulations on avoiding a horrible form of character mutilation or death from 666. You came dreadfully close to a bad end. So did Antenora, who also gains the divine rank boost.
DvR 6, cool. I'll do all the updating over the weekend.
Same with Antenora. Don't want to session interrupt.
Antenora opens her eyes, a new resolve there. She smiles slowly, "To stand against every prayer and hatred of the Abyss means more than I had hoped."
"Thank you for your guidance, Zaphkiel," Alicia says, eyes opening and seeing the world anew. "Like I said, our words and actions hold meaning that resonates out and then echoes back.
Syala's arms wrap around you as she reaches you in an instant. "Oh Alicia," she laughs, "Well done!" Then she pulls Antenora into the hug and adds, "So did you, Antenora."
Antenora returns it before, "And yet there's still so much to be...ow!"
Syala's nudge stops that right there. "There's so much to be done after we celebrate. What's the point of defending life if we can't enjoy our own?"
Marie's expression softens. "Fine, maybe if we celebrate it'll confuse the demons," she says. "But don't forget that invitation from Mystra, Alicia."
"Yes, yes," Alicia says patiently, an arm around Syala to hug her back. "It's a big event, even if the circumstances building to it were complicated."
After that Antenora hugs you - soft and gentle. No words are said, but you feel it. The connection between Antenora and yourself, burning bright.
Node update, go check out.
Seen it.
Alicia hugs Antenora back. "We've learned a lot from all of this."
With that, a night passes in peace.
Anything to do right away or follow up with that?
Lets take a look at Colke again to see if Clearsight/See Magic reveal things that were hidden before?
Sure thing. Since I'm doing this in one big gulp, go ahead and give me a Wisdom check now.
Take 10 for 30.
> roll 1d20+17 (+7 sacred)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 (+7 sacred) --> [ 1d20=8 ]{25}
Colke lies there.
He? She? It seems vague. Unimportant. Colke simply is many and the truth beneath it is revealed. Colke is. Colke endures. Avenger, cleric, warrior, mage, hero, villain. All those and more.
"I...will be..." Colke whispers as Antenora checks Colke over and Syala watches at your side. Empty eyes open to meet your own. "I will...I will be what is true. I will be what is right. The light is so beautiful." Tears run down Colke's face, "You brought me to the light. I remember that you set me before the long path to the light."
Parts of Colke hew away, others intensify. Falsehood fades, truth strengthens. Avenger, cleric, warrior, mage, hero. Champion.
"Do you nee...do you need me?" Colke asks you, softly.
"Yes," Alicia says, looking down into Colke's eyes. "These may be our final days, and Creation needs heroes. People who'll make a difference, for all our tomorrows."
> roll 1d20+17 (+7 sacred)
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+17 (+7 sacred) --> [ 1d20=16 ]{33}
Colke offers a hand up, gaze on your own. "I'll help you."
Alicia takes that hand, pulling Colke to their feet beside the bed.
Colke rises and becomes more defined. A woman now, with long, straight black hair and fine features. Delicate but regal, like that of a queen. Her green eyes meet yours. "I think I can change my form now," she says at last, "That this is only a reflection of whatever truth I hold in my soul."
A shift. Then he is like the male Colke you met in Ysgard, strong and well developed. "The truth of who I am is more important than the lies that were forces on me. Lies fall before truth, and truth shines no matter what."
"And the truth is, we're all in grave danger. Whatever hopes the Abyss had of devouring all... Shar is the one who is closest to enacting her nihilistic designs upon Creation," Alicia explains.
She also creates a simple unisex cloth robe for Colke to wear and garb his or her modesty.
"Will you stand against the destruction that comes?"
The robe is taken and worn.
"I will," Colke promises, "I promise."
"Then we're glad to have you," Alicia says, satisfied.
"But were you seeking in the Abyss, that you found what you feared?"
"You know of my quest?" Colke asks, another shift - back to the previous, feminine form. "There is much to tell, but do you know much of me before my ill fated trip there?"
Alicia shakes her head. "Very little," she admits. "Indeed we never heard your name until we set foot there ourselves."
"In my life, I chose to study lore. I had an ever thirst for knowledge and to learn. In time, power followed from knowledge and with it greater knowledge came. Until I came on one of the greatest secrets of Creation: Why. Why it was made and its purpose, to provide an Answer."
She brushes a loose bang back as she goes on, then looks to Antenora. "What happens to those who seek knowledge but value it above what is right or other people?"
"They find Cania at the end of their path," Antenora concedes with open understanding. "Was it for you?"
"No, but I grew callous and chill towards others. Not evil but I was deeply flawed. I sought knowledge best ignored and came on lore of 666. I felt it had purpose and it had meaning. That it could make sense of the contradictory truths I came across in Creation." Colke turns back to Alicia, "I was a fool. My only defense is that I felt that there was something profound there."
"Good, then I don't have to tell you that you were a damned fool," Syala seconds, "Go on."
"Cold enough to seek it, foolish enough to think the Abyss had any meaning. I found what I feared, that everything was a lie and that truth was meaningless." Colke concludes.
"You're in good company," Antenora lays a hand on Colke's shoulder, "For the noblest of reasons we explored 666 ourselves. It was our own bit of foolishness, even if we stood against those lies, it was a grave risk that we could have avoided."
"But you saved me, Sylica. All of you did," Colke continues. "Each of you is a holy deity, and in that each of you is a fragment of the truth. Imperfect as I believe none of us can comprehend righteousness fully, but I have become more than I was thanks to your wisdom to set me on the path towards Chronias. I have retained much of my skills and knowledge that 666 forced on me towards destructive ends. Reborn by your will and the light above, I can put them to better means."
A moment.
"I am an avenger, a mage, a cleric, a warrior. Many arts lie within me now. They are in your service now." Colke concludes.
"And the resemblance to Alicia?" Syala asks, "A little of Antenora as well, but the hair's a giveaway."
"My soul is what matters. My body?" A shift, and now a perfect copy of Syala sans her lights appears. "Is just clay for the soul to shape."
"The Abyss is part of Creation. Expecting that it should have some meaning is no sin," Alicia says after hearing all of that.
Does the changed body appear real as far as Clearsight sees?
Yes.
She doesn't pay much mind to the casual shapechanging. Marie is about the same. "For the moment though, Sylica is in an upheaval although it's a glad one. Take a day to rest and see our realm while we tend to its transition. After that we can discuss how you might help in our struggles."
Colke bows and departs to do that. Once done, "So many boxes on the formula did this tick off, Antenora?" Syala asks.
With a slight smile, "Naked, beautiful woman, serving Alicia?" Antenora questions aloud, "As amusing as that is, I'm relieved good has come from that trip of ours."
"Well, they're sticking around rather than wandering off into the sunset with a pat on the head and a pouch of gold, so might turn out good," Marie agrees. "So are you going to tell Mystra, then?"
"Assuming everyone's happy with us relocating to Elysium, yes," Alicia says, politely ignoring Syala and Antenora's commentary.
That gets attention, "So are we doing that?" Antenora asks, plainly.
"Do you want to?" Alicia asks. "Ysgard's been good to us, I can see the allure of staying here. All of us should decide together."
"I want to go to Elysium," Marie speaks up. "It's good to be closer to Mystra in case something happens again. And I like it there."
Antenora's silent a time. "I'll go anywhere you go, Alicia. You know that." She meets Alicia's eyes, "Even if Marie's not technically your familiar anymore."
Syala smiles slightly before, "If Mystra's girding for war, that makes more sense. We know how high priority a target Mystra can be, and if Shar gets a chance she could ruin Creation in one moment."
"We'll have to ask Jessica too, but Latha?" Alicia asks since their local sun goddess is right here.
"I think it's time to move," she says at last, "You want it as well, don't you, Alicia?"
Alicia nods. That is what she said after all.
Jessica, I have grown from recent trials in the Abyss and am no longer a demi-goddess. I believe it's time to accept Mystra's invitation to move Sylica to Elysium, but as a goddess here you have a voice too. How do you feel about it?
Jessica is at your side in a moment, "Divided," She admits, "There are days where I still miss our home in Balmuria. But you can't go forward if you cling to the past."
"I like it here too, but I feel like it would be best for us and for Sylica," Alicia says. "Unless there are any objections, I'll speak with Mystra about how to go forward."
After a few moments of quiet discussion, "Go ahead," Syala says at last, "Ysgard can take care of itself. I'm not so sure about Mystra if Shar wants her, and it's not a bad move. Just different."
"Then lets go visit Dweomerheart, all of us," Alicia says, gating them to Elysium to go see Mystra and speak of what must be done.
Dweomerheart's streets are slower now. People still come and go, but you can see them. Wizards, celestials and other servants. Often obscured or simply integrated well, but every street is guarded. The people move with purpose, and to your superior vision, you can see great waves of magical energy that fortify everything. Every street is a moment away from becoming a fortress.
Not a shadow can be seen. There is always just the right amount of light to prevent shadows.
When you come on Mystra, she sits in one of her grand libraries. A throne of spellfire that burns without heat, her gaze faraway on everything and yet nothing.
"Hello Mystra," Alicia greets, at the head of her group as all six deities. "How fares Dweomerheart?"
"We prepare," Mystra greets, two words that say it all. "Did you not see it with your own eyes?"
"We did," Syala is at your side, "You prepare yourself or your people?"
"I am prepared," Mystra responds as she rests on her throne, "But you are right. This is in part a warm up, to strengthen those who serve me and prepare them for what will come."
"I see better than I did before," Alicia says. "Recent trials have seen me ascend further in divinity, past what could be called a demi-goddess. You remember we spoke before, and you invited us to bring Sylica to Elysium? Well, the day has come."
Mystra's expression blossoms into a smile - a real smile. She rises and comes to you, and then embraces you. A light hug, "Blessed news in a time where gloom spreads far too much. There are a few who must be consulted, but I do not believe them to object."
It has come to pass, High One.
It's not words, not as you understand them. It's intent. Warm intent, a sense of gentle welcoming.
I have no objections to this, so long as it is agreeable to you and it is agreeable to Lathander in his role as the head of the House of Nature.
Then soon.
Lathander, please come to me.
The warmth of the morning sun shines. The library is as bright as noon now, radiant and with a bright blue sky instead of a roof now. A fresh meadow breeze is felt, the smell of wildflowers on it.
"Well, well, well!" Lathander chuckles warmly, "The lovely Mystra wishes to invite her six lovely female friends here and I'm supposed to object?"
Mystra's expression becomes openly exasperated, not quite a sigh but she lets out a little huff of air. "Be serious."
"I am. Warmth, joy and levity have all the more important a place when matters are grave. Otherwise, how will we ever make it through the long night?" Lathander challenges back. "Besides, I have my own wayward servant to praise." He walks up to Latha with a fond smile. Nothing's said but Latha meets his gaze.
Alicia hugs Mystra back before she steps aside to witness Lathander's arrival - while Marie then slots herself in before Mystra and spreads her arms invitingly with a big smile on her face.
"Latha has come far," Alicia says as the two sun deities stare off, somehow not needing to shade her eyes.
Marie gets a hug too. "You've earned this much," Mystra says, voice lighter than before.
Meanwhile Latha's smile is radiant before she says, "There will always be a path in Sylica for you and yours," she promises, her hand held out. It's taken in a vigorous shake.
"And a path to the House of Nature for yours," Lathander says, "No one has any objections, and we'll visit once the move's done. Mielikki's unicorns will want to visit, herds of them love to roam. Silvanus will be about, but he's everywhere trees are in Elysium. Chauntea will pop in time to time, but she's usually busy in the fields or seeing to this or that. There's also Eldath of course, but you're a little warlike for her tastes, but she may be around to gossip around the springs. So on and so fo-oh!"
Lathander pauses, "Reciprocal alteration rights. We should talk about that. Has Mystra?"
"Not yet," Mystra notes. "In short, I allow the House of Nature and the Archangels who qualify to alter my realm as if they were divine here, and in return they offer the same courtesy in their realms and in Elysium itself. Your friend Seira may not have had to deal with that with her recent move, due to the situation in Bytopia. The same offer is extended to Sylica by Dweomerheart, and by the House of Nature."
"Reciprocity is fair," Alicia says, "We won't go around ruining your landscape and can expect the same in turn... you already helped us with the defences around Dragodan," she nods respectfully to Lathander while Marie gives Mystra a big squeeze and lets go.
"Most of it's simple courtesy, remember you're a guest in other realms." Lathander agrees.
"I'd like Sylica and Dweomerheart to be within sight of one another," Mystra goes on, "I want our realms to be close."
"We could make space on the plains below Dweomerheart to include Sylica," Alicia says. "We're already on the Oceanus so creating a great channel to fit our archipelago in there could work."
"You can make as much space as you need," Mystra agrees, "If you haven't figured it out yet in Sylica, I'll show you how to manipulate space for that."
"We expanded Sylica's area recently but I imagine we'll need a bit more finesse to fit it into an existing plane so please show us how," Alicia says, eager to learn from Mystra.
"The simple rule is that our realm as are large as they need be. Another rule, lesser known, is that our realms connect where they connect. If your realm occupies a space of 100 miles and yet one part of it alone is 10,000 miles, it will still work." Mystra explains, "So long as the borders are properly defined."
That more or less matches her experience with having Sylica grow out of it's demiplane and onto Ysgard. "So how do we begin?"
"Go to Sylica and begin. Our wills all combined will allow it, as ultimately your realm is tied to all of you." Mystra explains.
"Alright ladies, lets go back home," Alicia says to her pantheon. "And make sure anyone we've got wandering out onto Ysgard makes their way home first."
You head back. Once you do, preparations begin. AS they do...
Anything you need to mention or cover IC along those lines?
I don't think so?
Soon enough you all gather. IT is time, everything is prepared. Antenora, Marie, Syala, Latha, Jessica. The six of you are together and ready. It's time to move Sylica.
"Our wills, together," Antenora says, hands taken, "Let us stand in a circle and do this."
It's not just them. They stand in the plaza before Liberton, their proxies recalled to attend as well - even Mazel. Word has been spread of Alicia's ascension as a deity and that Sylica is moving to a place better befitting its deities' range across the ethical spectrum. Time is allowed for all who wish to witness the event to crowd Mercia as the six goddesses join hands in a circle.
The borders shift, the sea surrounding Sylica and marking its connection with Ysgard becoming wreathed in fog, dense clouds blotting out the sky as their divine realm transitions fully from one plane to another.
Thank you, Ysgard.
We'll bring a little piece of you with us to Elysium, in our hearts.
The crowd is quite large - your faithful come, big and small.
Ebony is there, hood down as she watches your work. She is solemn and offers her silent support, yet not a move is made to you, a simple pryaer.
Marchalu stands in the distance, observing but otherwise letting others bask in the spectacle.
Mazel is there, more recovered than before, and watches the proceedings.
Emmaline is there as well, one of many who wish you well.
Colke lingers, in his male form now, expression distant but somehow completely understanding. As if he knows somehow.
I will never forget the services you have done us, Ysgard.
For the six of you, it's moments of floating in between. As if adrift in a way that defies words. Then, as if sailors on a long voyage, you have a sense of arrival. Your destination is here, ready to slot in as you will it.
And it does. The clouds part as sunlight breaks through, the fog evaporates at the borders. The sky of Elysium shines down upon them, to one side the Opal Mountain still rises high, beyond it past the horizon lies more of Sylica, islands and lakes and rivers stretching towards Amoria, on the other Sylica rises up to meet the cliffs of Dweomerheart's edge, Mystra's city of magic waiting above.
Welcome to Elysium, our new home.
Where Law and Chaos meet.
Welcome home, Alicia.
Home at last.
Marie's words get Antenora to turn to her with a fond, loving smile and meet her gaze.
"Home," Latha agrees in a rich, wonderful voice.
"Home," Jessica echos, "Let's go."
Alyssa?
Alicia and Marie's words were spread to everyone in Sylica, as the goddesses now let go of each other's hands and turn. For today, celebrate. Tomorrow has much work yet to be done.
Then they fly up high into the sky, to survey their new surroundings from above.
Fixed.
All six of you rise. In the sky above Lathander's light shines down with Latha's, radiant together. On one side the Opal Mountain rises and on the other Dweomerheart can be seen. On the borders you see unicorns cross over, a few small herds exploring the boundaries. Dirt roads form as well, little connections from outlying villages near the borders on both sides.
On the sides of Dweomerheart's cliffs, where cliff meets Sylica, a winding path forms. Another connection, as river waters meet the waters of Oceanus.
"Elysium welcomes us so readily." Jessica marvels.
Latha's expression is joyous as she says, "It welcomes everyone gladly, Jessica. It wishes nothing more than to bring souls to the goodness it represents. Any who come openly will soon find a home here."
Antenora's gaze is on that new mountain path that connects the two realms, "A tower," she decides, "A tower built around it. A monument to magic, to the circles, that leads to Dweomerheart. A mighty defense as well as a beautiful place of both trial and demonstration of magic's splendor."
"That's a fun idea," Marie says to Antenora. "So long as it's beautiful and inviting. A welcome mat, not a barred door."
"There is a lot we can learn from the magical defences Mystra has put in place recently, for marrying form and function," Alicia says.
"Of course. Form and function can exist in harmony," Antenora agrees. "I like to think Alicia's a fine example of that, as is myself and as is you, Marie."
Syala cracks a smile at that, and an a teasing tone. "Just you three?"
"You're pretty too," Antenora says with a side glance at Syala, amused.
"We're all pretty," Alicia reassures mildly. "But yes, lets take some time today just to make sure Sylica's fitting together with everything properly, and we can build or sponsor features around the edges to our liking."
Okay then, first of all, anything you want to add or address IC for adjustments here?
Nah not really, we're in Elysium, god's in heaven and all's right with the world.
Okay, you're due for a new topic so that's incoming.