Before we begin, I have one question of the utmost importance: What kind of pie did Moore have?
Apple.
It's a rather good pie, all in all. Thus you prepare for Lifasa and...
Okay, jokes aside, who are you taking and any prep?
i can't take anyone (except Kaja maybe?) If Tepen didn't find a spiritual wounds solution like we discussed.
Assuming he did, he would take Xandra.
Assuming he did not, he will go alone.
Alone it is, we'll cover Tepen when you get there.
That moment of appearing on Lifasa is transcendent. You feel good, like you just woke up in a warm sunbeam. Your entire body feels stronger, looser, healthier. Your mind is sharper and your senses are stronger. It's like a haze has been removed from your eyes.
Tepen's house is quiet in the morning sunshine, save for cow grazing just outside of his yard. A black and white cow, with the whites close to metallic silver and the blacks a deep, rich hue that seems glossy.
Moore knocks on his door, curious about this very obviously Magic Cow.
"Come in," Tepen's voice is heard from afar.
Thus, he enters!
Tepen is inside, carrying an armful of thick books stacked up to nearly his chin. "Moore," he greets, going to a nearby table and putting them down. "You caught me digging up some old books for the current problem."
"Tepen, you do the most mundane things for an Archmage, you know that?" He says with a broad smile "Also, what's up with your Magic Cow?"
A pause before he continues, "Then it seems I'm in time to help."
"Oh, she was a gift," Tepen says, "Her name's Daisybell and she's the sweetest tempered cow I've ever seen." With a bit of a wry smile, "She's from the Heavens, she finds Lifasa agreeable."
"A Celestial Cow?" Moore asks. "That does make sense, though." A smile after that. "But, anyway, is there anything I can help with?"
"At the moment?" Moore shakes his head, "My research has hit a dead end, but it's because I need a particular book of lore that I can't get my hands on."
"Well, I'm the one asking for the favor." Moore says. "What is it? Maybe there's a copy in one of the libraries I have access to."
"It's called the Cannas Collection. It's the work of an obscure, mad archmage who sought to understand spiritual wounds. His first mistake was being struck mad by summoning an obyrith stronger than his protections or the Prime could handle." With a smile that becomes more sour by the moment, "His methods were also...questionable. Unfortunately, he allegedly has some of the best insights in these things that I've been able to find."
Moore nods. "I understand. I'll look around, I should be able to find it somewhere. Oh, by any chance, do you know where Aurora picked up that Eternal Joy book that's in the library? The anathemic knowledge one."
"Vel, of course. We got many of our unique books from him. He made a tidy profit, he has a nose for finding rare things," Elder Magi Tepen states.
Moore nods. "That makes sense. I'll let you know when I find that other one. Anything else I can help out with while I'm here?"
After a moment, "I don't suppose you know how to milk a cow?" Tepen asks. "She's about due and she gets terribly noisy if she's not milked."
"Tepen, you should know that I know how to do everything." Moore says with a beaming smile. "If this cow came from where I think it did, I'd be remiss to not help out."
Okay then, what skill check are you planning to use to accomplish this?"
How about Profession (Farmer)?
Gimme a check on it, sure.
Take 10 for 62.
Sure enough, that's one milked cow. You have a bucket of milk, in case you have need of such a thing.
After that milking, the cow lets out a soft moo and casually ignores gravity. She flies onto Tepen's roof, lying down there.
Moore leaves Betsy and Tepen to their devices and will see about finding a nice, quiet spot somewhere to see what he can manage to accomplish on his own for now.
The idea will just be to see if being on Lifasa helps him at all with his anathemic knowledge problem by going over everything he's done so far in his mind.
Sure. Clarify what you mean by everything here?
He's pretty much just going to try and mentally walk himself through the knowledge he has on the Guardian of the Gate, the Solar who watches the gate to Elysium, so on and so forth.
It's basically just him recapping everything he and Xandra worked on, but here on Lifasa instead.
Give me an Intelligence check.
[22:29] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+12+15
[22:29] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=18]
Okay then, give me a Charisma check as well.
[22:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+19+19+15
[22:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=9] the extra charisma is coming from his aura, for reference
It's hard. Your head begins to pound, turning into an unrelenting throb.
You're thinking and it hurts. It hurts in a way that you've never felt before. Each breath is a sublime agony, so much that it makes anything but twitching and clinging to what you have impossible. Do you need help?
It's agony and pain -- but he has to hold on.
He has to keep thinking, he has to not give up.
This isn't something he can just do himself, he needs Lifasa's -- he needs Creation's help, too, so he simply cries out for aid from the place that he saved, and will hopefully save him.
In that case, give me one more thing: A Constitution check.
[22:52] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+13+15
[22:52] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=8]
The pain is overwhelming - and then, like a mercy from above, it stops. You feel it go down, your teeth no longer aching, your bones no longer throbbing. Everything slowly stops hurting, your head feeling better and better by the moment.
Moore takes a moment -- he breathes in, and breathes out.
...But, wait...
He blinks, then sits up.
Does that mean he can do it...?
Can he try and solve this mystery here?
With your head not pounding, it's easy to think - you remember Benfal. A thrill of terror.
The sound of a bell being rung. It resonates across everything, a beautiful sound that makes the spirit before you crack like glass.
Forty nine wings. A creature of light, glory and righteousness that your vision averts from, yet you remember. Each wing sings a beautiful song, words that you have never heard and yet you somehow understand. It is the Words, the Words spoken in a way you never heard before. They are spoken whole, spoken how they were meant to be. You know this with no doubt, something about it right and true to you beyond words, beyond understanding. It simply is.
"GLORY THE CHOSEN MAIDEN OF THE GATE, GLORY THE SEVEN FOLD ONE, GLORY THE MUSIC OF JOY."
A song of praise, all forty nine wings joined from beyond her. It is sung perfectly by more voices than you can count. Voices of praise, voices singing of this three fold benediction.
The light that follows the creature is but for a moment and not even these memories dare look long at it. Even in this trance-memory you have no choice but to avert your gaze from it. Yet it is sufficient. That mere moment shatters the wickedness and death of an entire world.
As one word is spoken, Cantasa Alexandria at last speaks. "Glory everlasting, tomorrow and hereafter and for ALL TIME AND FOREVER."
All of you lie there after, slowly recovering as a world is saved. Benfal is saved.
Yet here and now, on Lifasa, your body trembles in joy and terror.
...He remembers.
He remembers it -- he remembers what happened.
No wonder he couldn't...
"...That's right, we didn't have to save you the same way, because of the ritual that the traitors all used." He says, not even realizing that he's talking.
A breath in and a breath out.
He simply looks down at the grass in front of him, noticing all of a sudden that he's crying.
"Elena... I did it." Moore says, still not even realizing he's talking to himself. "I... I wonder, can I share the conversation with you now?"
Still he just sits there.
"Thank you, Lifasa... thank you." He just sits there, staring at the grass through bleary eyes, quietly crying.
That time in Aurora -- perhaps, now, if he's been able to remember this incident, he can finally pull back and remember what happened there...
So trying to remember the Aurora conversation with Elena then?
Correct.
EDIT: Let me clarify -- the first one, first. Then he's going to try and remember others.
The one where you rolled the natural 20 and succeeded, you mean?
Yes, sorry, I should've clarified that point even further.
Give me an Intelligence, Charisma and then Constitution check.
In that same order:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+12 : 12 + 12, total 24[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+19 : 7 + 19, total 26[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+13 : 13 + 13, total 26[/blockquote]
Even with Lifasa supporting you, it doesn't go far. You feel drained after that last time - if anything, you feel like a nap or more support is needed.
So for some reason it didn't calculate right.... all those should have 15 added to them.
I don't know why the board gets grumpy when I use + signs.
Does that change anything?
It does. Relining then.
Again it happens - effort, focus, pain. Yet this time when the pain clears, you can remember. You can remember talking to Elena as the throbbing in your mind fades, leaving you resting against the soft ground of Lifasa.
"Thank you." Moore says as he pats the ground. "You've done me a service I can never adequately repay to you. But you know that, don't you?"
He picks himself up and goes to fly back to Aurora.
On his way, he wonders if he'll be able to remember this when he leaves Lifasa... well, when he enters Aurora he should know, since that's its own Demiplane.
Your trip to Aurora is uneventful - and on entering, you still remember what was formerly lost to you, no sign of losing it right away.
To his old room he goes.
He clears his throat, "Elena, I'm back."
Elena pops in, dressed up like Tryll - which in this case is a ghostly aura and a rather horrific fish-horror suit. "Hi!" Elena calls. "How did it go?"
"I remember it. It took a trip to Elysium and some help from Lifasa itself..." he takes in a breath.
"You and I were in the library," Moore starts. "Do you remember? You said you watched Medi just like that. That he never fully overcame anathemic knowledge. I don't know if my remembering will resonate the knowledge within you, but I want you to remember, too." He adds the last part rather quietly, with a bit of reverence.
Hands on her hips now, "I don't remember that at all," she says, shaking her head, "But it sounds like something he might do. Explain."
Moore retells Elena's explanation, word for word — he retells the entire conversation, but without including specifically what Cantasa Alexandria did.
"If you think back to that time, it was before we had invested to have two of you." Moore says. "So even if you really can't remember, there should be a pocket of time you can't account for."
"I don't remember anything like that," Elena finally says, expression distant, wistful. "It is the sort of thing he might have done, though. I believe you."
Moore smiles. "It's not enough to just believe me, I want you to remember too. I wonder..." he taps his chin. "Let me try something, okay? Hold on."
Off to the library he goes, to retrieve Eternal Joy and bring it back.
"When we originally did this," Moore says as he opens the book, "I don't remember having any pain like I did when I was remembering this before. I think that's part of what Medi did - to keep the pain away. I wonder if exposing you to this will trigger anything." He says as his attention turns to the book.
Will he experience the same thing when he tries to read it? He turns a page to find out.
You can read it easily - it feels clearer now. Elena looks as it and starts to read, nothing seeming to happen right away.
"I wonder if it triggers when someone is trying to overcome it." Moore says. "Actually... if I say 'Cantasa Alexandria,' you can understand that, right?"
A nod, "I get it," Elena says. "I bet I wont' remember it, but I get it."
"Well, I wonder if, now that you know, you'll be able to remember yourself. It sounds like Medi never quite got to the point where he'd remember what he would tell you, so I think you have the potential to overcome it, using your will plus Auroras. Let me know how it goes, okay? And I'll make good on my promise to you." He says with finality as he shuts the book.
"I'll try," Elena says, "Now get back out there and drag Medi back here, you hear me?" she asks. "By the ear if you have to!"
"I will." Moore affirms.
He will put the book back so as to not suffer Vul'Wrath (get it?) and head back to Hopes Landing with his head held high.
Thus you return, triumphant and...
Assuming nothing is critical when you get back, got a plan?
Nothing immediate. The book search can start tomorrow.
Gimme a quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 97, total 97[/blockquote]
As you settle in to rest a bit and reflect, "Moore, Moore," Grias rushes into your room, "We need to mobilize!"
There's no hesitation, just a nod as he stands up. "Where and for what?" He asks.
"They're still determining, but get ready. Zaaman Rul's under attack and others may be as well," Is the answer you get, "You may go participate there or may be used to fill in for others."
Moore nods and will go meet the others!
This is mostly a wait and see thing, but assuming the likelihood of being deployed in the next, day,10 minutes is high, we will do prep spells.
What spells are those then?
I really need to update the Pixie Magic thing when I get home.
Any longer than 30m duration spells — so Surge of Hope, Mass Energy Immunity (cold, Fire) Mass Death Wars, Life's Grace... Fortunate Fate. I will write up the descriptions when I get home.
Celestial Valor and the songs will wait until we know where we're going.
Sure. Any other prep of note then?
None, the rest will get cast as we get deployment info. I will append the CLs and everything too.
Okay, we'll pick up there tonight once we have spell info sorted.
Roger dodger.
Okay.
Mass Death Ward (CL33):
Immune to negative energy and ability/level drain.
Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33)
Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33):
Enables moving without inssue, +15 to CMD on grapples
Moore will handle:
Life's Grace (I feel like Jetina ought to be able to get this.) on everyone, CL21
Immune to negative energy effects + poison and disease from undead + treat armor as ghost touch.
Fortunate Fate (CL32)
If reduced to 0 hp heal for 150
Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32)
You can move through difficult terrain at full speed for the duration of this spell, and you can even run, charge, and tumble through such terrain as though it were clear terrain.
There are other spells but those, again, will wait.
Moore also will cast other spells on himself, including:
Greater Improvisation (CL32)
Righteous Halo (CL22)
Harmonize (CL32)
Vision of the Omniscient Eye (CL22)
Foresight (CL32)
Putting off doing the block for just a sec in favor of another post.
Everyone gathers quickly, as Jetina's the first one there. "Moore," she calls, "Do you know what's going on?"
"Zaaman Rul is being attacked." Moore says. "We're going to be deployed somewhere to help him, or help aid something else currently under attack."
Cresiel's just behind her, adding, "If Zaaman Rul falls, Good's greatest hope on Fire is extinguished," he says, "We cannot give anything but our utmost here."
"Then we'll win," Jetina says, "No matter where they put us."
"We've been through much worse, recently." Moore says. "I hope Nasir shows his face for this."
"You want a chance to end this?" Jetina smiles, a rather understanding look, "One less if we can get him."
Xandra and Kaja hurry in, the latter bringing up the rear. Kaja quickly asks, "When will we know?"
"Soon." Moore says. "There's no way this is going to be another 12 hour affair. We can cast the long-term spells now, but I don't want to waste our stronger things that are short-term until we know where we're going."
"While we have time," Xandra speaks up, "Do you want any spells cast on us, Moore?"
"Yes, I've got a few." Moore says. "...Agh, every time this comes up, I remember that project that Jovar is working on for us, I hope they finish with it soon."
The spells cast will be the ones posted earlier.
"I think it stands to reason to protect us against Fire... but I think our enemies may, in fact, use cold spells too, so that seems like something to cover too. I don't think they'd expect us to think like that." He says.
I meant by the others, and refresh me on which project you mean?
Well Jetina has some spells in there!
I don't think the others have any long-term spells.
The Jovar stuff is here: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104179.msg1122578.html#msg1122578
It was basically the same concept as the Mission Readiness Arch.
Thank you.
It's not long - soon enough a glowing portal appears. At the same time Barachiel's voice is heard, "There is an attack on the Tradewinds, a traveling ship aligned to Celestia. Go there and stop the attack on it. It a mixed band of two black dragons, several thunder aligned wyverns and a brigade of winged kobolds lead by shamans. The battle is taking place in Air. End it as swiftly as possible."
"Save the spells until we get there. We'll aid our comrades with our magic." Moore says -- but there's a song he knows that only affects a certain number of people, so before anything...
Inspire Heroics on everyone, +12 dodge to AC and +12 morale bonus to saves. Moore will deal with the nonlethal damage on the way himself.
He's also going to caste Haste, CL32, on everyone for the +30 movement.
Then let's go!!!!
Chaos. The open expanse of air is ahead of you, bright and breezy. Approximately 200ft ahead is a flying galleon, a ship that should be soaring through the air. Instead it is on fire in several places, burning away and stalled out. Two black dragons circle overhead as the deck is taken by a bevy of winged kobolds, while any who resist are set on by several lesser dragons - wyverns, as Barachiel warned you. It is a scene of chaos, a scene of slaughter as the ship's crew is massacred.
"Jetina, your first job is to heal everything on that ship, friend or foe -- it doesn't look like they've inflected much damage anyway, but we need to try and save who we can." Moore shouts. "We don't have time to be picky."
Yes, we will indeed join the fight.
Init then.
[22:55] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore Init
[22:55] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=17]
[22:55] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra Init
[22:55] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=16]
[22:55] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Jetina Init
[22:55] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+11 black dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+8 another black dragon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+9 wyverns
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+20 kobolds
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=13]
Init is Moore (58) > Kaja = Cresiel (46) > Jetina (39) > Xandra (37) > Kobolds (33) > Black Dragon 2 (22) > Black Dragon 1 (20) > Wyverns (17)
Open Moore.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 745/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Holy Fury 32/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"Hold on, we're coming!" Moore shouts, as his songs spread through the air, empowering his allies and bolstering them!
Inspirational Boost (swift)
Inspire Courage + Inspire Greatness.
Everyone on the field gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. If there are any fey in the audience, they get +19.
Moore and the others (it only goes 30 feet, so this can't affect anyone on the boat) gain 41 Temp HP plus con, which is:
Moore: 97
Cresiel: 129
Xandra: 113
Kaja: 105
Jetina: 97
That does it for his move action and his standard for the round. As a reminder, everyone has Haste.
Kaja flies forward fearlessly, darting towards the wyrms above. "Scum!" Kaja roars in draconic, dragon eyes turning to him, "In the name of the Father of Dragons, you shall be wiped from this Creation!" He charges right into the fray without fear, all while one of the black dragons turns and goes to engage him, the two meeting as it bellows back, "My hoard will grow from your treasures," he challenges back, a snarling bite following.
Kaja provokes an AoO.
> roll 1d20+58 (+3 ???, +5 ???, +2 ???, +1 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 72 > [d20=14]
Bare miss, mobility and haste save the day.
Yet Kaja is a streak across the field, Gem flashing out in a quick, savage slice into the wyrm's flank.
> roll 1d20+58 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +18 Moore, -20 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+58 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +18 Moore, -20 PA) owwies
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 69 > [d20=11]
> roll 4d6+328+2d6+4d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 370 > [d6=2,3,5,4,6,5,6,6,1,4]
Yet Kaja darts right into the dragon's mouth as it tries to bite him - and in a shower of skull, blood and gore, erupts out atop its head. The wyrm's body abruptly spasms before plunging down and away, crashing into the endless Air below. As he erupts out, "You're nothing to us, dragons! You may rule your fiefs, but we are agents of the Heavens!"
With the crew mostly massacred, Cresiel sees only a few remain. A few hound archons, a couple of humans, an elf, and a single, bloodied sword archon, one sword arm broken and trickling sizzling hot holy blood to the deck. He advances forward and has his shield up, diving past screeching wyverns, ignoring the bites and claws they send his way.
> roll 1d20+18
> roll 1d20+18
> roll 1d20+18
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=14]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=20]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 35 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d20+18 crit threat
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d6+10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d6=5]
> roll 1d20+31 vs poison
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=17]
Doesn't even beat his DR.
Claws, bites, stings - none slow Cresiel as he lands on the boat, the entire ship shaking from his landing. He stands there as winged kobolds scurry away and wyverns dive after him, as he shields the sword archon and a handful of humans. "To me!" he calls.
Using epic shield mate's bonuses here to protect, to be clear.
Init is Moore (58) > Kaja = Cresiel (46) > Jetina (39) > Xandra (37) > Kobolds (33) > Black Dragon 2 (22) > Wyverns (17)
Xandra'n'Jetina, go.
[spoiler]
Inspire Courage + Inspire Greatness.
Everyone on the field gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. If there are any fey in the audience, they get +19.
Moore and the others (it only goes 30 feet, so this can't affect anyone on the boat) gain 41 Temp HP plus con, which is:
Moore: 97
Cresiel: 129
Xandra: 113
Kaja: 105
Jetina: 97
Cresiel
HP: 745/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 32/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[/quote]
It doesn't look like their sheets are updated for the cloaks we had made for Jetina and Kaja for flying speeds, so I'll just go with what's listed for now.
Jetina moves closer towards the boat at all haste!
double move, for 120 feet to get her closer to the boat.
Xandra, meanwhile, gestures.
I was going to do Sunlance, but I changed my mind.
She's going to cast Sandalphon's Amazing Barrage instead.
[21:36] <Nephrite> roll 1d4+30+18
[21:36] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d4=4]
They have the items, the speeds just aren't listed. Feel free to use them if that matters.
In that case Jetina can get to the boat with ... 90+30 x2 = 240, 40 movement to spare. She'll move after Xandra does her barrage in case it clears up anything for her.
Jetina dives in, all attention on Kaja and Cresiel. She lands safely as unerring projectiles follow. Kobolds are struck down mercilessly, winged kobolds falling by the dozens. The wyverns are struck hard, screeching pin pain as the surviving dragon turns. Its look is one of open terror as, "R-retreat!" it gasps out, "Full retreat! RETREAT!"
The surviving dragon vanishes in a word of magic, gone from this place. The wyverns turn and flee, retreating away from the party's assault. Like that the wicked are shattered.
"They gambled on Celestia not responding. They paid the price of blood for it," Xandra observes, as...
Free act. You're welcome to pursue wyverns if you want.
[spoiler]
Inspire Courage + Inspire Greatness.
Everyone on the field gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. If there are any fey in the audience, they get +19.
Moore and the others (it only goes 30 feet, so this can't affect anyone on the boat) gain 41 Temp HP plus con, which is:
Moore: 97
Cresiel: 129
Xandra: 113
Kaja: 105
Jetina: 97
Cresiel
HP: 745/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 32/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Nah, we're good.
Jetina chants a word of magic to do what she can for those here!
Mass Heal, should get everyone on the boat without too much trouble. Those who are dead may still be so, but who knows how many lives it might save.
Moore nods, looking out and around for any signs of a follow-up.
Healing spreads as Kaja stay sin the air, watching for attack. The few survivors collapse in relief, thanks and praise offered.
At the same time the sword archon approaches and bows deeply to Cresiel, "Thank you," he says, simply, "You honor us with your arrival, solar."
Cresiel turns to him slowly, "Ah. Please address our leader, Duke Moore." He turns to Moore, as does the sword archon. There's a few long moments of staring in disbelief, "A...fey pixie? A duke?"
Moore simply lets out a sigh.
"I'm just not nearly as notable across Creation as I think I am." Moore says with a smile. He turns and nods to the sword archon. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Duke Moore of Hope's Landing of Celestia, servant of Erathaol. I'm sorry for the loss of your crew." Moore says with a pause for solemn quiet.
"Were you carrying anything on board that you think this was for? Or just an attack of opportunity?" He follows up.
A deep bow to you, mimicked by several of his crew. "Duke, my apologies then. I have not been to Celestial in centuries. I carry goods directed to Windswept, a portal town around a portal to a Prime Material Plane. The goods are foodstuffs and weaponry to support an insurrection against a tyrant. The weapons are worth fair coins, though there is nothing exceptional there. A single enchanted rapier for the leader of the insurrection is the only magical item. Our mission is not well known, as we fly many mundane missions to give cover to when our missions are more important."
A sigh at that as the dead lie there, "Good men, good crew. All for dragons I've never seen before in my life. I know not if it was opportunity or a planned attack."
"Probably just to spite us, then." Moore says with a nod. "We can escort you to your destination, if you'd like."
"We would be honored," The captain agrees.
Moore nods. "Then we'll be honored to make sure you get where you need to go."
He then sends a quick Sending to Barachiel to inform him of their success and their current plan, unless they need to be deployed somewhere else.
Before you can, a portal opens. A squad of seven hound archons emerge out as you hear Barachiel. "Return through the portal, you will be redeployed shortly. We are under attack all over - this is a general offensive."
Moore nods, then offers a bow to the captain. "May the rest of your voyage be safe."
He will go through the portal!
The party appears at Hope's Landing. Once you are, Xandra takes a breath, "I foresee great conflicts ahead. Several. We must be prepared for a long day and many battles. The next will not be the last."
"Good! That dragon died too easily," Kaja scoffs, "They're likely dredging up whatever fools they can do attack us."
"Quantity over quality." Moore affirms. "A tactic to exhaust our resources. We should be mindful of spell usage."
"Not to the point of ineffectiveness," Xandra remarks, "But to win with the least expenditure possible."
"Then rely on me," Kaja hefts one of his blades, "These don't run out."
Moore smiles and nods. "We'll just have to wait and see where our next target is."
> roll 1d4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d4=3]
It'll be 3 minutes before your next task. What does that do for durations?
Inspire Courage and Greatness are down to 8 minutes (give or take a few rounds), Haste is... down to... 15 rounds.
Everything else is way longer, so no worries there.
Soon enough another portal forms, Barachiel's voice heard. "A catfolk cleric of Tyr defends a small fortress on Acheron, an outpost for crusaders in that realm. Crush the brigades that threaten him. If you cannot save him, do not allow a single person deep inside, for a demi plane's access point is there. If it is discovered and knowledge spreads, it could be disastrous."
Moore merely gestures for them to follow as he goes through the portal!
It's the thump of metal beneath Cresiel's boots.
The jangle of metal as you see it ahead. A surface of some vast thing, some metallic thing made of rusting iron. It looks to be the end of a canyon path, a dead end here as you appear just to the sides. About 20ft ahead is a small fortress, the stone doors badly beaten and being crushed by the attackers. They slam into them with battering rams - a motley assortment of humans, goblins, a barbazu, a lumbering humanoid of metal and several dog-like gnolls.
Behind them and watching are two. One is a shivering, semi transparent figure of blue, ice dripping from him like crystalline tears. It's hard to look at, like a rippling mirage that just escapes your sight each time you focus on it. It is nude but too indistinct for that to matter, his form that of some sort of humanoid. Wounded perhaps - you see gashes along its body, but no blood.
The other is a towering thing - a cornugon, larger than normal. A thing of muscle and ethereal hate, violence in physical form. He is not so massive as Gathgorian, but he looms and watches as the gates are destroyed. He is covered head to toe in plate armor, a dulled, club-like sword in his hand. "Attack, attack, attack," he commands. His words drive them all the faster as with a final slam, the gate gives way.
In the sky above, skeletal birds of great size fly above, a five-set of them. Roc skeletons if you don't miss your guess.
Actions, but this almost certainly is going to init land. You are 20ft away and 10ft to the left of the fortress. This is fairly close combat ranges all around.
Lots of Knowledge checks you can't fail are glossed over here for speed.
"This ends here!" Moore shouts.
Yeah any of his actions would just lead to that anyway.
[21:45] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+41 Moore
[21:45] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 61 > [d20=20]
[21:45] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Xandra
[21:45] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=18]
[21:45] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Jetina
[21:45] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+5 various rammers
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+15 ghost
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+18 cornugon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d20=1]
Init is Moore (61) > Cresiel (49) > Xandra (38) > Kaja (34) > Jetina (28) > Ghost (25) > Rammers (20) > Cornugon (19)
Open.
"Scum," The cornugon turns, then growls low, "It's the Aurora! Cresiel and Moore!" he bellows, all attention turning to the party.
"You're going to wish Aurora was here when we're done with you!" Moore shouts.
His first order of business is to keep them out of the tomb -- so with a simple gesture, he seals it off!
Wall of Stone, basically aiming to cover it all and make it as thick as possible. I get 4 inches of wall per block, and I get a total 100 feet worth of wall, so that should be plenty to cover it and make it thick enough to hold them off for a while.
That's his action, and he'll just stay where he is.
For now, Cresiel stays at Moore's side, shielding him. At the same time a solid wall of stone appears, blocking the rammers hard, replacing what just fell - for now.
He's basically holding and will play cleanup, since most of his serious area damage resources are limited. Xandra, go.
Xandra merely makes a gesture, as she sacrifices some of her strength -- then rain begins to fall.
[22:20] <Nephrite> roll 1d4 str drain
[22:20] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d4=3]
Cleansing Rain on... what I assume is the entire area.
Using a smite here.
[22:27] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+32+10 SR check
[22:27] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=16]
DC Reflex is 44, and the enemies lose 4 for it. So I guess you can say it's DC 48? Whatever your preference.
[22:28] <Nephrite> roll 20d6+18 acid
[22:28] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 100 > [d6=6,2,6,1,5,6,4,1,2,4,3,5,6,2,6,5,6,2,4,6]
> roll 1d20+8 rammers
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d100 vs 50 ghost
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d100=11]
> roll 1d20+28 evasion
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=5]
Full to everyone but the ghost, who immunes. Does Xandra's magic overcome incorporeal miss chance?
I... do not think so. Also, I apologize, I forgot that it's one of her Glorious spells, so it's half acid, half divine.
And, because of that, they all have to make DC 44 fort saves or be blinded for 7 rounds.
> roll 1d20+9 fort rammers
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+31 mettle cornugon
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=2]
Thus the rains fall. The rammers cry out in pain as the skeletal rocs scurry away in the air, the former melting away under the rain. The ghost is oddly untouched, phasing and shaking its head. The cornugon screams like a rumbling mountain, one hand going to its eyes, which glow with white light.
Init is Moore (61) > Cresiel (49) > Xandra (38) > Kaja (34) > Jetina (28) > Ghost (25) > Cornugon (19)
Kaja smiles. It's a stalking cat's smile, advancing forward with an ease that belies his speed. He dashes in at the cornugon, "When you wake back up, tell them Bahamut's wrath send you back," he declares, as...
> roll 1d20+58 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +18 Moore, -20 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=12]
> roll 2d6+144+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 159 > [d6=6,6,1,2]
With a golden flash of Gem, the cornugon's chest is torn open, a spray of obsidian-like blood spraying out. The cornugon is visibly staggered from the blow, as...
Jetina.
Jetina walks towards the ghost and tries to rid the world of it!
She's trying to use Heal on it. I admit I've... literally never used it like this, so I assume it's some sort of touch attack.
[22:45] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 Jetina touch I guess???
[22:45] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d20=3]
I can fish up the numbers if I need to on it.
275 damage... actually maybe it's 150??
It says 'if used on undead, heal acts like harm' but I'm not clear if that means 'it does damage' or 'becomes the spell,' so you have more experience with that.
Anyway, DC 28 Will save to halve the damage.
Maxes at 150 as harm does, since it acts like harm.
> roll 1d20+23
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=6]
Is Jetina vulnerable to cold damage?
she's not! Energy immunity to cold.
The touch is like the chill of the grave, yet Jetina withstands it. The ghostly being recoils back from the touch, a shudder as it jerks away.
Init is Moore (61) > Cresiel (49) > Xandra (38) > Kaja (34) > Jetina (28) > Ghost (25) > Cornugon (19)
Cresiel takes his held turn.
Cresiel holds position, but a blast of pure radiant glory comes from his outstreched weapon, slamming into the frozen ghost.
> roll 1d20+30
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20 ranged touch 1/20 check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=15]
> roll 15d12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 99 > [d12=7,11,6,9,8,8,4,4,5,12,11,8,2,2,2]
The blast sends the ghost pinwheeling back, already battered, and slowly turning in the air. From it comes a wealth of frozen winds, frozen winds that cut deep and yet your protections were wise. None harm you as the cornugon takes to the air, wings beating furiously as Kaja cries, "No escape!"
Provokes AoO.
> roll 1d20+56 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, -20 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+56 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, -20 PA) critski
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=8]
> roll 4d6+288+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 298 > [d6=2,2,2,2,1,1]
And like that the cornugon's body is cut along the middle, legs falling to the ground. The rest of him tries to rise before collapsing, before becoming nothing but a pile of black metal, rusting rapidly before your eyes.
Meanwhile, you hear distant screams from within the fortress.
Go.
[spoiler]
Inspire Courage + Inspire Greatness.
Everyone on the field gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. If there are any fey in the audience, they get +19.
Moore and the others (it only goes 30 feet, so this can't affect anyone on the boat) gain 41 Temp HP plus con, which is:
Moore: 97
Cresiel: 129
Xandra: 113
Kaja: 105
Jetina: 97
Cresiel
HP: 745/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 32/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Did someone teleport in somehow? He didn't see anyone enter this way... maybe they broke in somewhere else!
He doesn't have time to worry about it!
"I'm going in, clean up out here!" He shouts. With a wave of his hand he makes an entrance in the wall he just created. A waste of resources, but so it goes.
Hes using Stone Shape here and will fly in to see what's going on.
Thus you race inside. Here are battle stations massacred - stacks of sandbags and the like, gear left behind in some places, bloodstained. In other places mortal bodies lie, facing the opposite way. Beyond this defense is a second gate going in, which is thrown open. A hall is ahead, a hall full of the dead. A hall where swords and shields hang, battle trophies glimpsed.
Yet here a catfolk in heavy armor is lifted by the throat. A pale humanoid lifts him high with one hand - he is over seven feet tall and slender to the point of being underfed. The figure wears a black cloak and plain clothes, as well as iron bracers and several glittering rings and bracelets. He is bald, his back to you as he holds the catfolk up. Yet he says not a word, turning your way the moment you see him. His eyes are blood red, his entire face ancient and withered. "A fey that smells of Celestia?" he intones slowly, voice rich and deep. He tosses the catfolk aside with casual contempt, a cry as he hits the wall hard and lies there in a beaten heap.
Meanwhile it's Xandra's turn outside since Cresiel held and acted. Go.
Its just the ghost left, right? If so Xandra will take her leave. She's got 120 feet, is that enough to get inside?
Xandra moves towards the hole herself!
Moore merely tips an invisible hat. "I hope you don't mind the interruption."
Xandra is able to fly inside as well, the creature eyeing the both of you. "Then spare me the effort," the creature says, "Tell me what secret lies within these walls. What will Celestia spend blood and coin to protect so fiercely within Acheron?"
"I'll be honest with you and say I don't know." Moore says. "But I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave. I have a feeling you won't accept that invitation, though."
Meanwhile...
> roll 1d100 vs 50
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 86 > [d100=86]
> roll 1d20+58 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +18 Moore, -20 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=5]
> roll 2d6+144+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 162 > [d6=5,2,6,5]
Jetina can see Kaja dart towards the ghost - and in one great slash, cut it in half. As the skeletal rocs break and flee away entirely, the spirit fades and...
Jetina and then Cresiel. Going to go join the others?
Lets.
In that case this will be treated as a new encounter and thus init. Kaja is a round out but he'll participate nonetheless.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 18 + 41, total 59[/blockquote] Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+20 : 4 + 20, total 24[/blockquote] Jetina
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 4 + 21, total 25[/blockquote] Xandra
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+35 (+5 nerveskitter, +3 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d20=4]
Init is Moore (59) > Cresiel (45) > Kaja (43) > Pale Man (39) > Xandra (25) > Jetina (24)
Open.
Lets open with a Reaving Dispel. It probably won't work but it'll give me an idea of what I'm dealing with. Also if any allies of his show up outside don't forget it'll keep raining for a while.
25 dispel checks. Good luck.
this may not work let's see
[blockquote]Rolled 10d20+20 : 20, 11, 3, 8, 6, 13, 10, 15, 15, 20 + 20, total 141[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 10d20+20 : 4, 13, 17, 7, 7, 17, 1, 2, 9, 6 + 20, total 103[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 5d20+20 : 2, 19, 20, 11, 1 + 20, total 73[/blockquote]
Go ahead and give me totals?
Well before I go through it the highest dispel is 40, does that get anything?
It does.
Time for tedium.
40 31 23 28 26 30 35 35 40 24 33 37 27 27 37 21 22 29 26 22 39 40 31 21
He will take and identify all spells he can.
You get three spells: Energy Immunity (Electricity), Healer's Vision and Greater Heroism.
"He's got some powerful spells protecting him!" Moore shouts to the others.
Init is Moore (59) > Cresiel (45) > Kaja (43) > Pale Man (39) > Xandra (25) > Jetina (24)
Cresiel steps forward, "The glory on high shall wipe you away," he intones, shielding you. Yet his Bolt of Glory flies, only to be deflected away by a swipe of his hand. It flies aside, batted away harmlessly.
Kaja meanwhile sprints in, catching up to the party.
"I do not fear you, solar, and you will learn to fear me," The creature says, as in a blur he's on Cresiel, the solar just as fast bringing up his shield.
> roll 1d20+77 (+1 ???, +5 ???, +2 ???, +3 ???, +4 ???, +2 ???)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 88 > [d20=11]
> roll 27d10+261+2d6+4d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 420 > [d10=4,6,10,3,5,7,5,8,3,3,3,5,4,2,5,6,6,3,5,9,5,3,1,7,5,8,7][d6=5,6,2,5,1,2]
Beats Cresiel's regeneration.
In a moment the vampire is back where he was, hand wet with red blood. Cresiel stumbles and holds his chest, a great gush of blood coming. He staggers back as the creature slowly licks the blood off his hand, sharp fangs seen as he does.
"The blood of Aurora's officers is indeed sweet." He says.
Xandra and Jetina, go.
[spoiler]
Inspire Courage + Inspire Greatness.
Everyone on the field gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. If there are any fey in the audience, they get +19.
Moore and the others (it only goes 30 feet, so this can't affect anyone on the boat) gain 41 Temp HP plus con, which is:
Moore: 97
Xandra: 113
Kaja: 105
Jetina: 97
Cresiel
HP: 454/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 32/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Can a Mass Heal be used to Heal an ally and make an attack on an undead?
Also Cresiel had temp Hp unless that attack explicitly ignores it
Edited the temp HP, thanks.
And yes, it can.
It... looks like it still works just like harm on an enemy, is that right? Well, it doesn't really matter, she'll just Mass Heal to hit Cresiel and the catfolk as well as the vampire or whatever it is.
DC 30 Will halves that to 75.
Moore will also take 10 on K:P (I assume) for 95 to possibly identify who in the fuck this person is.
Can Xandra ID whatever happened to Cresiel's Bolt of Glory? she doesn't want to go spell slinging if he can just deflect magic.
EDIT: She'll just hit everyone with the Mass Heal to give them all fast healing 12 anyway. Obviously kaja doesn't get it.
Mass harm, to be fair. So same damage limit as mass heal. He's also immune so it's moot.
Xandra's pretty sure he used exceptional deflection, an epic feat that's tied to deflect arrows. It can deflect almost any sort of ranged attack.
The creature before you is an elder vampire - a creature of grave power, and this one is a truly marvelous specimen. The speed and power it displays are beyond normal limits. In particular, you believe this one...may...be known as Learner, a vampire turned by the First Vampire long ago. A skilled monk and an even more skilled wizard, he would be incalculably old, but he hasn't been seen in countless ages. What he's doing here is anyone's guess, but it can't be good.
This may require some mechanical understanding from me on this -- I'm not really clear on the mechanics of that ability, and it really would change how I fundamentally act here with a clearer picture.
Is it assumed that he can just deflect anything ranged, more or less? Looking at the actual description, there seems to be no limit at all, which seems... odd, but maybe I am missing something?
It means he can deflect anything that counts as a ranged attack as if it were an arrow. This applies to a ranged touch spell, a magic bolt that requires a ranged touch attack roll, a thrown boulder, an arrow, whatever. If it's thrown he can block it. It's only 1/round, but he could also have the infinite deflection feat, which means he can do it as many times as he pleases in a round.
Okay. That's... limiting.
Well, let's give it the old college try anyway.
[21:39] <Nephrite> roll 1d20 touch, not a lot of other options
[21:39] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=16]
This is Sunlance. She's using a smite here -- I assume if he deflects it still blows up? I guess we'll see!
I'd rule it blows out whenever it hits something after being deflected. In this case, it's close enough that the expanded area sunburst will get him, at least. This requires a Reflex save.
> roll 1d20+53 improved evasion monks, man, monks
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=12]
The burst of solar power erupts in the room - and yet the creature just isn't there when it matters. He stands upside down on the ceiling instead, the burst billowing out below before he drops, just a moment after it clears. He lands flawlessly, "I am inevitable. You can no more stop me than stop the tides or gravity. I will triumph and I will find what is hidden here."
Init is Moore (59) > Cresiel (45) > Kaja (43) > Pale Man (39) > Xandra (25) > Jetina (24)
Go.
[spoiler]
Inspire Courage + Inspire Greatness.
Everyone on the field gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. If there are any fey in the audience, they get +19.
Moore and the others (it only goes 30 feet, so this can't affect anyone on the boat) gain 41 Temp HP plus con, which is:
Moore: 97
Xandra: 113
Kaja: 105
Jetina: 97
Cresiel
HP: 716/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 32/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"You have no power here, Learner." Moore responds. "Don't bother trying any more ranged magic!"
Moore takes in a breath as his words spill out, empowering all his allies... and fate itself twists around Learner (?)!
Using Destined Strike - +4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +15 to threat confirmation for everyone.
He's also whipping out Melody of Misfortune, which applies -6 to all attack, ability and skill checks to him.
Kaja will get the benefits of Destined Strike since he should be able to hear him easily enough.
Refresh me on Melody of Misfortune real quick?
Melody of Misfortune (Su): This ability functions as Fated Failure, except it also targets all foes within 30 ft of the Fatesinger that he is aware of. Additionally, the main target of the Melody does not receive a Will save as with Fated Failure as the power of the melody focuses mostly on that foe.
And, since that description doesn't actually help...
Fated Failure (Su): At 5th level, a fatesinger gains access to the fate of his foes, weaving a tale of the enemy's utter defeat. With this ability, a fatesinger targets a single foe within their line of sight and if successful, the foe takes a -5 penalty on all attack, skills and ability checks while the Fatesinger performs. The targeted foe does not need to see or hear the Fatesinger perform, merely be in their line of sight.
The foe may attempt to reduce the penalty by making a Will save (DC 10 + Fatesinger level + Charisma modifier). If successful, they reduce the penalty to -1. This ability consumes one use of bardic music. This effect lasts until the fatesinger stops performing and for 5 rounds afterwards.
A discordant, miserable melody fills the air - but it is enough, the creature before you seeming to slow. Cresiel heals the last of his injuries with a flush of power, guarding Moore.
Cresiel is holding to possibly move and take an attack on Moore if need be, because he doesn't want Moore getting wrecked by that level of bullshit. Kaja.
Kaja bounds on in, grinning and showing far too many sharp teeth. "A real challenge, is it?" he declares, Gem and Gold coming down as he races in, the two colliding and...!
> roll 1d20+62 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +22 Moore, -20 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 75 > [d20=13]
Yet the vampire's movements are too fluid. It's like striking smoke, curling out of the way with impossible grace. In return Learner brings his hands together, a mighty CLAP that resonates through the air like a shock of static electricity.
Fort, all.
[spoiler]
Inspire Courage + Inspire Greatness.
Everyone on the field gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. If there are any fey in the audience, they get +19.
Using Destined Strike - +4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +15 to threat confirmation for everyone.
Moore and the others (it only goes 30 feet, so this can't affect anyone on the boat) gain 41 Temp HP plus con, which is:
Moore: 97
Xandra: 113
Kaja: 105
Jetina: 97
Cresiel
HP: 745/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 31/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[22:31] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45+12 Moore fort, mettle
[22:31] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=5]
[22:31] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+39+12 Xandra fort
[22:31] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=17]
[22:31] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40+12 Jetina, fort, mettle
[22:31] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+39 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+41 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 57 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d6+1 dazed this many rounds
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 > [d6=4]
Cresiel is dazed 5 rounds.
The clap resonates in the room, the sound of it strangely wrong. It leaves Cresiel stumbling and reeling from the sound, as he glides back and draws strange symbols in the air with his fingers. It's painful to look at as he intones, "Carrion Princess, Pale Mother, Blind Child, you shall obey my will in this and bring forth blood. Let them be the sacrifice to me!" Around Kaja they gather, a dozen biting, fanged mouths that - !!!
> roll 1d20+71 (+1 ???, +5 ???, +2 ???, +3 ???, +4 ???, +2 ???, -6 Moore)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 76 > [d20=5]
Lucky Kaja.
Yet the fanged mouths narrowly miss, biting away but somehow Kaja manages to dodge. He gives ground and space, avoiding the sudden assault as suddenly he again chants, "As I made the offering once, obey me again! Let them be the sacrifice to me!" This time the mouths form around Xandra, biting away at her.
> roll 1d20+71 (+1 ???, +5 ???, +2 ???, +3 ???, +4 ???, +2 ???, -6 Moore)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=10]
That hits.
Is Xandra currently protected from ability damage? I don't think she is, but just making sure.
Yes, we cast both Life's Grace as well as Death Ward before we left. :)
Also I don't know if this is touch or not, but Life's grace may tilt the armor high enough that it doesn't hit? Not sure there.
Life's grace is enough to block the 18 Con damage.
The fangs bite away, yet nothing happens as...
Xandra'n'Jetina, go.
"Kaja, just focus on hitting him!" Moore shouts.
Jetina is going to cast Superb Dispelling. I believe that's 22 spells?
[23:06] <Nephrite> roll 22#1d20+33
[23:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 53, 45, 36, 35, 45, 42, 51, 44, 47, 34, 41, 41, 39, 48, 39, 43, 42, 45, 35, 51, 36, 38 >
Eat it, stupid vampire.
Xandra's open to options here -- if all ranged touch spells are out that's going to stop a lot of her stuff.
Magic crumbles around the vampire like a cascade of glorious fire, as...
Up to Xandra here. Admittedly improved evasion + exceptional deflection can be tough to deal with.
In that case, she will pelt him with a Sandalphon's Unerring Projectile.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d3+48 : 2 + 48, total 50[/blockquote]
The unerring projectile hits solid and hard, momentarily knocking the vampire back. It's just enough to buy you a minute as...
Go Moore.
Did I miss Kajas turn?
Yes, he attacked and missed.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104297.msg1146050.html#msg1146050
Somehow I thought that happened before.
Moore puts a hand on Cresiel to restore him!
Heal, should top him off and remove the stun.
Cresiel rises shakily, his daze passing as he manages, "My thanks," he says, as...
That it for you? Just to be clear since it's a serious fight.
Edit to add a swift action of Sing the Holy Choir, and use his movement to redo Inspire Heroics.
[blockquote]Rolled 10d8 : 2, 3, 6, 5, 4, 6, 5, 2, 2, 3, total 38[/blockquote] This is the Temp HP. I think only Cresiel needs a refresh on it?
Sing the Holy Choir is being used to give everyone the Holy Power property on their weapons. This may really only apply to Kaja but there it is.
Cresiel gets 126 temp hp in total
Also unless he has something better, I'd like Cresiel to cast Mass Valiant Fury.
What's sing the holy choir do?
When you cast this spell, your next use of any 'Inspire' bardic music can be augmented in two ways, chosen by you at the time casting. You can either create music so holy and good that it infuses the weapons those who hear you carry and wield, giving them the Holy Power weapon property for their next attack, or create such harmonious music that those that hear it gain the Consecrate and Widen Spell metamagic feats for their next spell.
These bonuses are in addition to the normal benefits of the 'Inspire' abilities. If you do not use an 'Inspire' ability before the spell's duration expires, the effects are lost.
It's in the spell collection if you needed more than this.
Oh sorry, I missed the next page, my mistake. Okay.
Cresiel keeps guarding while he chants softly, power comes flowing, a surge of sheer brave energy that...
Kaja.
> roll 1d20+79 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, +3 mass valiant fury)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 95 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+74 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, +3 mass valiant fury)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 84 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+69 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, +3 mass valiant fury)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+64 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, +3 mass valiant fury)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+79 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, +3 mass valiant fury)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 85 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20+74 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, +3 mass valiant fury)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 93 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+69 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, +3 mass valiant fury)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 73 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+64 (+1 haste, +18 Moore, +3 mass valiant fury)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d100 vs 1
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d100=8]
> roll 1d100 vs 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d100=12]
> roll 1d100 vs 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d100=60]
> roll 1d100 vs 4
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d100=18]
> roll 1d6+62+2d6+3d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d6=4,3,3,6,3,1]
> roll 1d20+79 forgot the haste attack
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 96 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d100 vs it
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 87 > [d100=87]
> roll 1d6+62+2d6+3d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 77 > [d6=1,5,2,5,1,1]
> roll 1d6+62 rend
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d6=6]
What comes is a flurry - he's so fast even now, even as Kaja is relentless. A dance of blades and death, the two sparring and slashing together. Kaja lands a few blows - a slice into the vampire's arm and a sword rake against his chest. The moment he has those he tears them out coming towards each other, drawing long and jagged wounds across Learner's body. It's enough to get the vampire to grimace in pain, a hand going to his torn open chest.
As no blood flows from the wounds, though you can see it flowing within, refusing to fall out, "Then fear the myriad of bats," he declares, as he splits into clouds of fog. Four of them, two falling back, one going to the left and one going to the right. At the same time, a massive flock of bats fills the space he was in, spilling out faster and faster and faster. Thousands of bats, a swarm of blood red bats that rapidly expands out to fill all the hall. They gnaw and bite at you, chewing on you, hundreds and hundreds swarming each of you.
Swarm damage incoming, which requires no attack roll. Ow.
> roll 10d8 all
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d8=7,3,3,5,2,1,6,1,8,7]
Also fort saves, all.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+60 : 14 + 60, total 74[/blockquote] Moore, mettle
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+54 : 13 + 54, total 67[/blockquote] Xandra
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+55 : 19 + 55, total 74[/blockquote] Jetina, mettle
Also, I think you're missing the extra +11 to attack rolls and 3 to weapon damage from the other two songs of Moores
Run me through everything he has going, then?
sorry, that's way too time consuming to do on my phone, I'll do it later
That's all good, I just want to see where the numbers are possibly wrong and this may well matter a lot, so.
No worries.
OK, starting with the OG, Inspire Courage is +18 attack and weapon.
Throw in Greatness for another +8 to attack.
Then Destined Strike for +3 attack and weapon.
Valiant Fury is another 3 to both (but you already listed that, so it's fine)
I actually forgot the +2 attack from his harp anyway, so right now we're at:
18+8+3+3+2 = 34 attack
18+3 = 21 weapon damage.
Those numbers will both change soon-ish anyway and I will reupdate them when we get there. My fault for not keeping track of all of it like I usually do.
EDIT: One other note, i don't know if this is already factored into his damage, but all of Kaja's hits there should've had the Holy Power property added to them. I'm guessing Learner has a way to make himself immune to the negative levels, but you never know, maybe we got it when we dispelled him.
Okay, so that's an additional....13 to hit.
Negative levels are blocked on him regardless.
Anyway, that means an additional two hits which get d100s.
> roll 1d100 vs 5
> roll 1d100 vs 6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d100=67]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d100=21]
One more hit gets through.
> roll 1d6+62+2d6+3d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 80 > [d6=1,1,1,4,6,5]
Okay, more damage but not world changing there. Now Fort saves.
> roll 1d20+39 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+41 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=11]
Everyone made the save.
Init is Moore (59) > Cresiel (45) > Kaja (43) > Learner = Swarm (39) > Xandra (25) > Jetina (24)
The swarm flocks all of you, filling the space as the four clouds of mist retreat. They attack you viciously, biting you all the while.
Xandra'n'Jetina.
Note that casting in this swarm will require a Concentration check.
[spoiler]
Inspire Courage + Inspire Greatness.
Everyone on the field gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. If there are any fey in the audience, they get +19.
Using Destined Strike - +4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +15 to threat confirmation for everyone.
Moore and the others (it only goes 30 feet, so this can't affect anyone on the boat) gain 41 Temp HP plus con, which is:
Moore: 54
Cresiel: 83
Xandra: 70
Kaja: 62
Jetina: 54
Cresiel
HP: 745/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 31/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Glory
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
So, just to make sure I understand what we're dealing with -- we have BATS!! everywhere, and somewhere admits the BATS!!!, two in the back and one on each side of us, are clouds of fog, right?
So, with that understanding, since I am not clear on how the interaction works -- what happens if one were to cast Sandalphon's Amazing Barrage right now (assuming it was successful)? Would it go to all the BATS!!!! or not hit them at all?
That is correct. Bats and fog.
Paste me the text of barrage, would you?
All enemies within range of this spell are struck by Sandalphon's unerring projectile.
Then it comes down to if you consider the swarm in composite a single entity for the sake of effects. RAW it is, but this is also a case where the RAW doesn't quite make sense nor is it satisfying. In particular, area/radius attacks are how you usually deal with swarms. This is essentially a radius attack in execution. So I'm inclined to have it be effective.
How effective is a question, but it certainly won't be wasted.
Would you believe me if I said I just like the mental idea of a shoot-em up style attack here, like Xandra suddenly turns into the last boss of Gradius?
[21:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+33+15 Concentration
[21:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=14]
Assuming that succeeds, the damage would be
[21:33] <Nephrite> roll 1d3+30+18
[21:33] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d3=2]
That was my exact image of Xandra for this.
Thus the spell is cast - and all is white bursts and barrages. Sandalphon's Unerring Projectiles come en masse, blinding all of you with the radiance of them. When it clears, thousands of bats litter the ground, more falling by the second. You're now hip to chest deep in bats, twitching and broken. The swarm is eliminated, only a mild cloud of them now obstructing everything, fleeing in every which direction.
The ground is now difficult terrain, requiring 2 squares of movement for every square you move. Blame the great heap of dead bats. Jetina, go.
"Raziel!" Jetina cries out, bolstering all of them with further strength -- as she tries to fly up and over the bats.
Celestial Valor, +8 sacred vs fear and emotion effects that would sap the will to fight, +4 sacred to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class and saving throws, weapons count as holy (non stacking).
I am assuming the mist is still there, also.
Jetina emerges as everyone is strengthened, holy power flowing as...
Moore.
You know, I don't know if that catfolk guy was dead dead or not since he got healed, but I sure hope he doesn't suffocate under a bunch of bats. Let me know if that might be an issue, will you?
"Run and hide all you want, vampire!" Moore shouts. "We're going to defeat you!"
At this, he digs out of his pack the Teleport Blocker and activates it with the command word, as he stands in front of it in order to protect it from any attacks.
It could be if he's alive, yeah. He didn't stir much from that mass heal, be it from deadness or being out cold.
The teleport block activates on your words, spreading out all over the area. As you set it Cresiel stands firm and...
His ideal is to use Cresiel's Valiant Stand if needed and then immediately heal. He doesn't have a lot that can directly impede mist. Kaja.
Leaping back amid the backs, Kaja manages to ask in a low voice, "Do need our avenue of escape clear?"
Sorry, can you rephrase what Kaja is asking here? It may matter.
He's asking if you need your avenue of escape clear. Ask him back real quick IC if you need clarification.
I think you forgot the "we" in his question, which is why I was confused.
"No, we're fine." Moore says. "Be ready to strike that vampire, he'll have to reform if he wants to do anything to us."
Oh, I didn't even notice that.
Thus Kaja invokes his ring of wishes, a field of force blocking the exit. This is just in time for the mists to shift. Three of them - the ones on the left and right, and the right side center one - turn black and surge forward at all of you, while the last one reforms into Learner. The black mist comes and strikes, which...
Fortitude all, -4 circumstance.
[22:35] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+45+12 Moore fort, mettle
[22:35] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=6]
[22:35] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+39+12
[22:35] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=12]
[22:35] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+40+12 Jetina, fort, mettle
[22:35] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=3]
Using old rolls that didn't factor in Jetina's +4 to account for the -4.
So does that change Jetina's total?
> roll 1d20+39 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+41 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=15]
Cresiel has mettle, FYI.
No, I'm just not adding the +4 from Celestial Valor since the roll is -4, if that makes sense. All the numbers are accurate. Everyone should get +12 total for their save.
> roll 35*12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 420 >
420 damage all. Moore none, Jetina none, Cresiel none, Xandra half, Kaja half.
The mists strike foul, flensing and striking. Peeling away flesh as they fade:
"No."
Cresiel's flesh is peeled, flayed, rotted. Yet he stands even as he bleeds, no one else touched.
Immediate to Cresiel's Valiant Stand, he takes 420 points of damage.
A moment later Cresiel's wounds begin to heal rapidly in flares of pure white flames, sealing them up and repairing them.
Divine succor x2, heal.
Go, Xandra'n'Jetina.
[spoiler]
Inspire Courage + Inspire Greatness.
Everyone on the field gets +18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. If there are any fey in the audience, they get +19.
Using Destined Strike - +4 to attack and damage rolls, Improved Critical Feat, +15 to threat confirmation for everyone.
Moore and the others (it only goes 30 feet, so this can't affect anyone on the boat) gain 41 Temp HP plus con, which is:
Moore: 54
Xandra: 70
Kaja: 62
Jetina: 54
Cresiel
HP: 698/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 29/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Gloryx2, Cresiel's Valiant Stand, Heal.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
What would Knowledge checks say about the current situation? can a vampire in mist form be harmed in some capacity via magic or something like that?
I realize this is bleeding mechanical stuff everywhere but I assume this would be relatively common knowledge of how to approach.
As the last cloud of mist reformed into Learner, it's not relevant.
Nope, just a blind person.
Xandra will fire off another Sandalphon's Unerring Projectile, because it's hilariously the most useful thing she can do right now.
[23:04] <Nephrite> roll 1d3+30+18
[23:04] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d3=1]
Jetina... actually has no one to heal, hm.
She'll just be rude and throw another Superb Dispel then. How many rolls this time?
7.
[23:07] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 42, 44, 37, 49, 54, 37, 53 >
Magic shatters around him once more, as an Unerring Projectile smacks him in the side. The vampire stumbles back, a tight grimace at this. His eyes dart about as...
Moore.
"I'll make you one offer, Learner." Moore says. "Surrender, and I will guarantee your complete safety. If you choose to not accept this offer, then you will be destroyed, here and now, for all of eternity."
He may as well try!!!
Gimme Intimidate here, just for my own reference.
Take 10 for 85. He's not as scary as he is diplomatic.
Learner smiles. It's not a kind look, "Come then and try to make your words reality," he invites.
Moore sighs. "It's never easy with you types."
He nods to Cresiel and gestures at Kaja. "Try and not kill him if you can help it."
I think Cresiel is free to go be on the offensive. Moore will hold in case if some shenanigans.
Also, does Moore need a K check here to determine what would likely happen if Learner dies? He's not sure if he just dies dies or reforms somewhere, or something unique to vampires, or what.
Sure, K:R.
Take 10 for 98, in that case.
When slain, a vampire turns to mist and has one hour to reach its coffin. If it does so, it can heal and reform in time. If it does not, the vampire dies. The power and potency of his blood probably loosens those limitations at the least - you recall hearing talk of up to 24 hours to reach the coffin, so long as they avoid sunlight.
Of course, being this tier of vampire and an archmage aside, you can safely assume it's quite likely he has a more robust survival system than that. Be it from his vampire powers, his magic or some other factor.
Well, if they do slay him, they'll have time to do something about it.
"Do your best to not kill him!" Moore shouts to Cresiel and Kaja. "We'll improvise if you do!"
Init is Moore (59) > Kaja (43) > Learner (39) > Cresiel > Xandra (25) > Jetina (24)
Kaja is up.
Kaja floats into the air and darts ahead, a full on charge at Learner over the field of slain bats, Gold raised high as he rushes in.
> roll 1d20+102 (+1 haste, +2 charge, +30 Moore, +4 sacred)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 113 > [d20=11]
> roll 2d6+132+2d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 149 > [d6=2,6,5,4]
With a deft move Kaja cuts deep into Learner's side, exposing blood that does not spill and blackened ribs. The vampire merely stands straighter at that, "I underestimated you," he finally admits, "I won't make the mistake of fighting you all alone next time." His hand goes up and...
> roll 1d20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d20=3]
...plunges right into his own heart. His entire body turns to a cloud of dust that spreads all about in an instant, blood splashing all about, over Kaja and the floor and all the dead bats. His gear clatters to the ground, intact. Is it...is it over? The air is thick and foul with vampiric dust, the floor thick with slain bats.
Free act.
Take 10 for whatever Knowledges are appropriate for 95, 98 if K:R.
Did he just kill himself and do something special (as was indicated may be possible) that doesn't involve mist?
Just making sure the dust isn't secretly him and going to reform.
"Go check on our cat folk friend and see if he made it." Moore says.
That sort of explosion of dust and blood is not normal for a vampire's death. Of note, you recall a vampire's blood and dust have various magical properties, especially the blood.
Cresiel flies over without another prod, clearing things away and checking on him. "Alive," he announces, "Though asleep."
Meanwhile Xandra is hurrying over to Kaja, who grimaces and spits out vampire blood. "Moore," she calls.
"I know." Moore says. He doesn't have time to wait on this.
He gestures and invokes his will to collect all of this — and fast.
Limited Wish being used here to collect all the vampire blood and dust (and gear) into containers.
Moore should have plenty of empty bottles, boxes and other things to contain it all in safely.
Let me know if there are issues with doing that, otherwise I will proceed from there.
Done and done. A spell gathers it all up - the blood glows a bright, cherry red. The dust is simply dust. Kaja grimaces, "Tasted like rotten meat," he says, spitting several times and pulling a small flask out, drinking, gargling and spitting again.
Jetina merely glances at the dust and murmurs a few words of prayer. "If his soul is tied into that dust or blood, we should get it to Celestia immediately, and under wards."
"I'm also not in the mood to have Kaja turn into a vampire." Moore says. He grabs and disables the teleport blocker, then sends a message to Erathaol, as he imagines Barachiel is busier.
'Defended fortress with cat folk. Still asleep. Devils and vampire named Learner. Learner blew himself into dust and blood, I have both with me. Would like to get Kaja checked in case Magic was used to transfer himself to him or otherwise. There's a force wall over the entrance to the fort.'
He will wait for a response, as there are a few issues to deal with!
The answer is a portal. The figure there is Romiel, leading dozens of soldiers, "We will relieve you and defend this place," Romiel declares, "You are to return to Celestial in all haste."
Cresiel nods, "Thank you, father."
Kaja grimaces, going to the portal without another word.
A nod is given and he goes through, patting Kaja on his back as they go.
Thus you return to the light once more. You return to Hope's Landing, safe once more. For now.
Moore just waits, as surely they're sending some people to address the blood and dust and Kajas potential infection!
It is not long. A ripple, a step. The figure that emerges is a young child as he steps forward, black haired and youthful. Yet each step is another year, and he reaches you all as a hale and hearty young man.
He is tall, broad of body and muscular. Trim more than anything else, cut. He wears fine, rich clothes worthy of a prince. He offers you a hand, "Mythan Eversight," he says, "You missed me last time, but this is a time for actions, not words. Which one is the one possibly infected?"
Moore shakes his hand. "The pleasantries will have to wait, indeed." Moore brings Kaja forward. "We collected the rest of the blood and dust he turned himself into, if it helps." He says.
I will however take 10 for 95 to have some background on Mr. Eversight.
Mythan Eversight is the Authority of Life. You went to visit his palace, but he wasn't home at the time. I believe you've made this check before, was it at last level?
Nope I just totally forgot his name! It was at the last level though.
Link me to that check so I can repaste/add to it as the result dictates/
It looks like I just got his name and his fortress IC so I never actually did an official check.
Okay. Mythan Eversight oversees life. He has great skill in magic related to it as well as the lores there. He is a persistent ally of life and youth, often working in various capacities with Lathander's forces for matters that are not integrally tied to law. He's a little on the serious side but earnest in what he does.
In combat he's primarily a healer, preferring not to injure creatures himself. He will if he needs to, and has powerful spell-like abilities as well as fighting skill to supplement his healing.
Thank you.
Moore waits to see what can be done! Hopefully since it was just a few moments ago this can be easily resolved...
I think I missed this post just before having an away, my bad.
Mythan Eversight inspects him for a time, and as he does, "You were wise to take this so seriously," he says, "Look." He points at Kaja's shadow.
Moore looks over!
Does he even have one at this point?
"The way he shed his blood didn't seem normal." Moore concurs.
You find he does - a black shadow that's too tall for him, mouth distended open and yet seeming to recoil from the light above.
"There," Jetina draws her blade. "Is that it?"
Mythan Eversight opens his hands and spreads his arms wide, "I believe so. Learner is like a parasite, infecting and leeching off of Kaja's body and soul. We can see it in this light, for nothing hides from Chronias. A soul-sickness, a plague that will consume him from the inside out and leave only a husk behind."
Kaja growls lowly, "How to I remove it?"
"I would start with the most powerful dispel evil spell you have," Mythan says, "Force him out."
I don't actually see dispel evil on anyone's lists, but it's Pal 4 which Xandra has access to. I think it's reasonable she'd have it.
I also think it's reasonable for Healer to have it, for what it's worth.
Sorry, long combat post for Seira.
Xandra would have it then from paladin access from Mage of the Illuminated Temple, yes.
"Allow me," Xandra steps forward.
Gimme a caster level check on it?
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 1 + 33, total 34[/blockquote]
If she can use a smite to increase the CL she would but I think that only applies to Glorious spells.
Moore will also activate the Teleport Blocker so as to prevent shenanigans.
The shadow writhes in the light and to Xandra's glowing touch, but nothing happens. "Again," Mythan urges, "Keep trying."
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 3 + 33, total 36[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 1 + 33, total 34[/blockquote]
assuming the 36 wasn't enough
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+33 : 17 + 33, total 50[/blockquote]
or that. Obviously if there's an interdiction here to stop her let me know, this is entirely for bookkeeping.
The fourth try is what does it. On that casting Kaja goes stiff before doubling over, vomiting. He vomits shadows and blood, collapsing after. This mixture gathers together, taking an ill defined form that resembles Learner. The vampire hisses in open agony as the light of Chronias shines down, throwing his arms up to shield himself.
"It was your own folly to not accept my offer of surrender before." Moore says, some sadness in his voice.
He turns his attention to Mythan. "As terrible as he is, I do not wish him to suffer eternally. Are you able to imprison him in some manner, Authority?"
"I don't think there's any need now," Mythal says. "The light of the sun slays vampires. What will the light of Chronias do to one?"
As he says this Learner screams, shielding his face as parts of his befouled body sizzle and burst into light. It's like little colonies of pure radiance are gathering within him, Cresiel watching at your side, shield ready.
Moore shakes his head sadly as he watches the spectacle before him. "I hope your soul, befouled as it is, can one day find peace and redemption, Learner. I will hold out hope until the final days for that very thing."
With a look of agonized fury, Learner lunges. Cresiel moves, a back hand swung to repel him. Xandra is there as well, blade out while Jetina holds her holy symbol.
Yet it is not needed.
Learner bursts into light, a scream - an unnatural sound, a howl closer to that of a vast hound - erupts from him before he collapses before Moore. In the light of Chronias and forced from a host, Learner can only scream as he is utterly incinerated by light. His entire body becomes light and then is gone.
No. Your soul will not fly back to Orcus within my light.
A moment later a portal opens - to a cell, a ghostly phantasm where Learner was glimpsed. It howls once more - dead silent this time - as it is pulled in, before the portal closes. It closes with the clang of a metal door closing.
Moore lets out a breath.
"Orcus is really not going to be happy with me." He says. "I'll have to be on my guard moreso now."
He takes in a deep breath after that as he says a silent prayer to Zaphkiel.
"Authority, thank you." Moore says as he flies down to help prop Kaja up. "This wasn't quite the pleasant meeting I had envisioned originally, but would you do me a favor and plant a new flower today in remembrance of our first meeting and in hopes that perhaps, one day, that one will see the Light?"
"I shall," Mythan says, offering his hand again. "I would stay longer, but already another needs my services. War is always hungry."
Jetina shakes her head tiredly, "What a talented fool," she murmurs, watching Learner go.
Moore shakes his hand firmly this time. "Thank you."
With that Mythan turns to leave. As he walks to a newly formed portal, he shrinks as he goes, becoming a child by the time he passes through.
Once done?
'Rest for a brief time, see to Kaja,' Barachiel sends, briefly.
Moore does indeed check on him!
"Hey, how're you feeling? I mean, besides awful." Moore says.
Kaja's answer is an eloquent groan.
"It'll be okay." Moore says. He gestures Jetina over.
"Would you mind?" He asks.
Having her use her unlimited panacea ability to help him out here.
This helps Kaja up, who rises and leans against her. "I'll be fine. Bastard's locked up where he deserves now."
"A joyous day," Xandra seconds, "One less monster to trouble Creation, even if I fear it is a charge the Authority of Wardens will not be fond of."
"Speaking of, you all did exemplary work out there." Moore says with a beaming smile. "I know we had to spend a lot of resources there, but it was absolutely worth it to get rid of someone like him."
"I was especially fond of that Sandalphon barrage." Moore says with a laugh. "Who knew it worked that way."
Moore will take the downtime to ID all of Learner's stuff, on that note, assuming he has time to do so.
How fast is IDing things for you?
The standard however long it takes to ID something, I think. He can spend 1 minute to cast Identify if needed, but I imagine it's just standard Detect Magic here.
\Loot posted, go check it out and reply there.
Done and done.
Sorting things out real quick goes without incident. Kaja rests in the meantime, while Jetina comes up to you, "Kaja seems alright now," she says, "I checked him as well. We're lucky we caught it so fast."
Moore nods. "I can't even imagine what could've happened to him." He says. "I'm glad we dealt with him. We will have to continue to be vigilant and strong, today will be a long day."
Have another loot post, incidentally. Let me know when you've ready that?
Done.
Great. Gimme a d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 45, total 45[/blockquote]
It'll be about 10 minutes. What's that do for durations?
Songs all go down, Haste goes down, Celestial Valor is still there, Valiant Fury goes. Everything else is still good.
It's then that another portal appears, to a dark, mazelike place. Earthen caverns pitch black, save for the light through the portal.
'Within this maze is Dan Surestan,' Barachiel says, 'He is an agent of Seatiel escaping dao assassins. Find him and return to this point with him alive.'
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 745/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 29/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Gloryx2, Cresiel's Valiant Stand, Heal.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"You up for this?" Moore asks of Kaja as he casts a spell to speed them up!
Haste, CL32.
Kaja considers...and shakes his head.
"I need more time," he says, "Cover for me."
"We will be back soon." Moore promises. "Have Grias make you some soup."
With that, he proceeds forward into the portal!
First things first, Perception for 77 — he's going to try and listen for any sounds that might help point them in the right direction.
Do you have anything like tremor sense going right now?
[spoiler]
Haste is also up.
Cresiel
HP: 745/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 29/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Gloryx2, Cresiel's Valiant Stand, Heal.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[/quote]
I do not.
You are in a cavern with a passage continuing a head, a dead end behind you. It's narrow and dark here, the light of the party the only illumination in this place.
You can hear distant echos, distorted. You'd need to get closer, but your hearing should help you here.
He has True Seeing and everyone else has dark vision, just as a note.
Moore proceeds forward, keeping an eye out for path and trying to listen to make sure they don't waste time.
Cresiel is at your side, Jetina behind and Xandra taking up the rear. She has her blade out, a soft whisper of, "Be ready to compensate for Kaja's absence."
"I know," Jetina seconds, and with a hint of a smile, "I do practice with the sword, even if I am a healer first."
You quickly fly on to an eight way intersection - a circular cavern with passages going in all sorts of directions, each dark and forgotten.
Moore has to trust ...
Nope, Magic!
Using Hindsight, can I tell which he or others have gone recently?
Sure. Only problem is that no one's been this way in some time.
Moore turns to Xandra. "Does your intuition tell you anything about which way to go?" He asks.
Xandra inhales and exhales, going still. Then she strides forward down one path in particular, no hesitation.
Moore follows after her!
Cresiel glides along, kneeling and ducking to get along. Jetina's alright at least, following closely.
As you walk down the narrow tunnel, you hear the faraway echos of footsteps.
Well, they're bound to run into something down here. Nothing to do but go forward.
You come to another mass intersection - and Xandra continues on, choosing another. She begins to float off the ground, eyes aglow with glorious light. Another intersection, another, all the same.
"What is this place?" Jetina murmurs, "A dumping ground for someone you want to starve to death wandering?"
"I imagine it's a network." Moore says. "A maze to lose those who do not know there way, and a pathway of secrecy for those who do. I imagine it's all warded against teleportation, too."
"Shh," Xandra murmurs, "The echos reach far here."
Jetina goes silent at that, following.
Another path, another and another.
Footsteps, voices. Far away voices. You can almost hear them.
"...practice with..."
"...about which..."
Moore continues on! It's only one person they're looking for, and he's doubtlessly not talking much to those others, so he keeps an ear out for sounds of battle or something less common than just talking!
Still taking 10?
Yes, 77 again.
Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again.
Weaving and walking, footsteps. They're starting to get louder, faster and faster. Xandra says not a word but glances at you, a finger to her lips, before she taps her ear.
Moore tries to listen again!
Footsteps are coming your way - it's hard to tell with the echos, but you can tell footsteps are.
Moore nods and will stop if Xandra stops, but otherwise will keep following her!
Xandra stops here, as you hear it. More and more footsteps, someone approaching.
Jetina readies her sword and Cresiel merely stands at your side, hunched over and almost kneeling.
Moore waits with a great deal of anticipation!
The man that approaches is filthy. He has a wild golden brown beard, his hair long. He's wearing battered, half broken plate armor and has no visible weapon. He looks at you for several long moments before he says, weakly, "Well finally, it's been an ordeal."
"Come on, let's not tarry." Moore says with a smile. They should hurry back -- not just because of enemies, but there's no reason to stay here longer than they need to!
'Fast as I can," he says, as Jetina comes over, murmuring a simple spell. "Got anything to speed me up? I'm ahead but my pursuers can move far faster."
Moore wiggles his fingers!
[22:41] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[22:41] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d100=4]
... and nothing happens!
He makes a sour face at that. "I'll try again in a moment." He says.
He'll try again next "round."
Dan just waits, Jetina helping him, supporting him as he rests a moment.
He tries again!
[22:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[22:48] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 6 > [d100=6]
And still nothing.
He takes a breath in and then out.
"Sorry, we killed a vampire a bit ago." He explains. "If your pursuers catch up then we'll just deal with them."
A wry smile at that, "Busy day for you."
"Hurry," Xandra says, picking up her pace.
Okay, what are everyone's movement speeds?
Moore's at 60+30, Xandra is 90+30, Jetina is 90+30 (if she can fly, 30+30 otherwise), Cresiel is 120+30.
[23:01] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[23:01] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d100=63]
And now our friend is whatever he is +30 too.
He looks roughly human - filthy more than anything else. Thus on you rush and can begin to hear them. Footsteps, many of them, closing in as you rush.
Xandra glances back, "Can you make something to slow them down?"
"With my luck, no. But I'll try." He says as he waves a hand...
[23:13] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[23:13] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d100=17]
...and nothing happens!
"Xandra, would you mind?" He asks. "Mine's clearly on the fritz."
Xandra will cast Prismatic Wall behind them. Let them deal with that for a while.
Thus a prismatic wall rises, blocking the way.
"Hurry," Xandra bits after, taking back off.
Cresiel nods in approval as he follows, hurrying.
Dex check.
[23:21] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+11+15
[23:21] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=6]
Hustle! Hustle! HURRY! The party runs, hasted speed and natural agility. Cresiel even stays silent when his wings or shoulders hit stone, bearing it all with great fortitude. Run! Run! Run! The footsteps are getting louder, and as you are but one passage away from the portal you entered from?
"HALT!" A voice shouts from behind the party.
"Keep going." Moore instructs the others as he turns around to greet their pursuers!
The others hurry as you see them - a quartet of big, brawny dwarfs of stone. One raises a big mace and says, "You'd best get the hell out of our way, pixie. Now." They're all armored in stone armor as well, broad and muscular.
"My name is Duke Moore of Celestia, servant of Erathaol of the Hebdomad of Celestia. I literally just killed an Elder Vampire in the last half an hour. Turn around and forget you found us, or you and your friends will end up living on the stone here forever."
Lets see if an 95 intimidate will make them go away.
A tiny pixie or not, something in your words is enough. The dwarfs draw up short and eye you, before one mutters, "Cursed pixies...nothing good happens around them, worse than wind elves," he says, before starting to step back. Another and another, the last glaring at you before retreating back as well.
Moore turns to go follow the others!
Thus you make it back through the portal once more, to freedom. It closes behind you, Dan sagging on the beach.
"That...was a bad day," he finally says.
"You're safe now." Moore says with a smile. "What happened, anyway?"
"Deep cover mission," Dan blows a breath out, "As a neutral observer of the Yanaroth, a type of stone dwarf for my world." He goes to sit and rest, basking in the light. "It turns out they'd figured me out awhile ago, but were using me and feeding me bad information. With hostilities on Earth they were going to turn me over to the Dao for a bounty, but I had a friend who tipped me off so I could flee."
"The gravity was too light to be Earth," Cresiel notes quietly.
"Yeah, the Yanaroth's little section of it has normal gravity." Dan admits, "It's a really long story." Smiling, "Thank you, all of you. I never thought I'd have a solar come rescue me. Or a pixie for that matter."
"I get that a lot." Moore says with a laugh. "Please stay as long as you need to."
With that, he sends an affirmation that Dan is safe to Barachiel.
'He will be gone shortly. Rest briefly and prepare for possible further deployment,' Is the message you get back.
"Sounds like you may have a long day ahead of you too." Moore tells him.
For now Moore will relax as much as time permits!
you get a free 1d100
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 71, total 71[/blockquote]
23 minutes. Duration effects?
Everything except Energy Immunity, Death ward and life's grace is gone, I believe.
Moore has 27 minutes of bad casting left.
Any recasts then?
Jetina can recast Celestial Valor.
It's a chance to rest, if briefly. Kaja comes up to join you, "I'm alright now," he says, "How as it?"
"I terrified some dwarves." Moore says. "You didn't miss much."
Showing sharp teeth with his smile, "Dwarves, huh?"
"I didn't see them long, but they looked like stone dwarves," Cresiel says, "Though Dan called them something else. Something to his Prime."
"With all the assorted lore I hear about Primes, I feel as if I need to coordinate them all," Jetina says, "There's so many!"
"Perhaps there's hope to a celestial pixie one day." Moore says with a smile.
At that there is a message and a portal.
'Vacuum. A tiny outpost is under attack by unknown forces. Smash the forces if possible, and if not aid the defenders in evacuation. You will need planar protections to travel there.'
Planar Tolerance it is!
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 71, total 71[/blockquote]
Everyone gets CL21 Planar Tolerance against Vacuum!
"Let's go!" Moore says, once they're protected.
Attempting Haste again too.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 45, total 45[/blockquote]
Thus the party hurries out and into the Vacuum. It is empty here, the void stretching out before you in all directions. In the distance, in the far distance, you can see something. It's far away but visible, the occasional flicker of light from it.
"Let's go." Moore says.
Lowest speed is Moore at 90. 4x move as run actions to get us to 360.
Rushing, flying ahead. A rock floating in the void, just large enough for a fortress. A small fortress, made of stone and wood logs. Here you are 300ft away and can see them. Shadows that are nothing, emptiness assailing the fortress without a word. They strikes it and wood and stone erodes, all while arrows fly out from little murder holes, having no effect at all. What must be a hundred shadows besiege the location from all angles.
Take 10 on K:P for 95, or whatever is appropriate (98 of R works), are these Shar minions or something else?
Also, I'm guessing things like positive energy would likely work on these sorts of things, along with Light-based attacks?
They look like emptiness, but they don't quite look like Sharran minions. They're not quite right. They seem different or perhaps modified. A memory - a recall of Lixer's defeat in Vacuum and knowledge after, of shadows and nastier things escaping in the aftermath, spreading about the plane.
You suspect positive energy would work, but probably not light.
Right -- that time.
"Jetina, this may be where you shine -- this isn't Shar's work, but just pure shadows. Things like positive energy and healing magic ought to work well against this." He says as they go along.
"Then let's put them to rest," Jetina agrees as...
Go ahead and gimme init.
[21:48] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=1]
[21:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+20 Jetina
[21:48] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=11]
[21:48] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+21 Xandra
[21:48] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20+23 shadows
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=10]
Init is Cresiel = Kaja (45) > Moore (42) > Shadows (33) > Jetina (31) > Xandra (25)
Open Moore. Oh wait wait you lost init. Uh...uh...
Right, people can go before Moore. Okay uh...they'll hold because you usually do bardic things and they'd rather get those before racing out of range of some of them.
Well the joke's on them because he's not planning on doing any except double moving to get closer! So hah!
"We'll have to get closer if we have hope of using magic on them. I really doubt weapons will work, but it's worth a try when we're closer." Moore says. "Hopefully us being warded against negative energy will help us here."
How far do you move in that case?
Assuming he can do a run action still, he'll go 250 feet to get within 50.
Thus the part follows, the shadows assailing further. Walls are crumbling, giving way by the moment. Each touch dissolves wood and crumbles stone, leaving behind only devastation afterwards. They're starting to notice you, a few turning the party's way as they take off in various directions, spreading out somewhat ever as they assail the fortress.
Go ahead, party follows and stays in formation for now.
So this is going to be a RAI question. Would I have reason to believe Song of Life (it's the fast healing Singer of the Celestial Choir one) would have an impact on these things?
Paste me the ability?
A singer of the celestial choir with 24 or more ranks in perform (song) can sing the songs that purify and restore new souls that pass into the Heavens. Doing so causes spontaneous healing in the wounded by the powerful symbolism of this song. All allies (including himself) that can hear the singer sing gain fast healing equal to his singer of the celestial choir level + 10. This fast healing does not stack with other sources of fast healing. This effect lasts for as long as you sing and for five rounds thereafter. When you start the Song of Life, you take 24d4 points of non-lethal damage. Using the Song of Life counts as one of your uses of bardic music for the day.
Well, if you count them as allies, sure. It's intentionally ally only aspected. It's an ability of purification and rebirth.
Well, that's why it's RAI, since in theory they can hear it and he could designate them as allies!
I'm just looking for interesting interactions.
Moore starts to sing -- an uplifting song that empowers healing magic!
Healing Hymn. I've got a brilliant plan in mind.
Now I'm scared. That it for your turn?
It is.
Init is Moore (42) > Cresiel = Kaja (41) > Shadows (33) > Jetina (31) > Xandra (25)
As the shadows watch him, Cresiel comes forward. He extends a hand out, and in a single, dreadful word he intones, "Enough."
> roll 1d20 touch AC here
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d20=1]
Yet something in the shadows moves, twisting. Bursts of Glory come forth, but equal shadow stuff comes. It neatly blocks the spell down to the last bolt, the shadows now all on Cresiel. In support Kaja races in, scimitar scything down at the narest shadow.
> roll 1d20+59 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d100 vs 50
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 39 > [d100=39]
But it is in vain. It passes through harmlessly as the shadows turn now, focused on the party. On the good side, this means they no longer assail the fortress. On the bad side, they're coming at all of you.
Anyone with more than 5ft reach can make an AoO. This is Cresiel and Xandra. Go ahead and take it or not, Xandra, I'll sort out Cresiel's after.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 745/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 29/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Gloryx2, Cresiel's Valiant Stand, Heal, Burst of Glory.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 551/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 545/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 570/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+62 : 20 + 62, total 82[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 99, total 99[/blockquote]
So I guess I need to ask If nothingness shadows can be crit or not.
They cannot be. Damage.
I can all but guarantee this won't work so I'm going to separate it.
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6+23 : 2, 6, 2 + 23, total 33[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 4d6+7 : 1, 4, 1, 2 + 7, total 15[/blockquote]
> roll 1d100 Cresiel seeing if the 100 even gets by first
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d100=31]
Xandra's blade strikes out, cleaving into one shadow as they advance and...!!!
> roll 1d20+30 touch AC
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 50 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+30 touch AC critski
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=4]
Ow. Touch ACs?
Thankfully with Life's Grace everyone has good touch AC.
Or at least I think that's how it works... ah, it doesn't work on natural armor I guess.
Oh, well everyone ends up higher than 34 with that in mind anyway.
Did Life's Grace not expire, or did you recast it?
Oh, well I thought it was 10m/level. It is not. We definitely would've recast it considering where we were going.
I'll give it to you this time. Please remember that sort of thing in the future.
> roll 12d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d6=3,3,2,4,6,6,2,5,5,5,2,3]
46 damage all, DR applies.
The ghosts are flocking around you, charging in and clawing. Deep gashes as your wards protect you, slashes that leave no wound and yet leave all of you feeling weaker as the faceless spirits silently assault you, ripping at you.
Jetina'n'Xandra.
[spoiler]
Cresiel
HP: 745 (21)/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 29/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Gloryx2, Cresiel's Valiant Stand, Heal, Burst of Glory.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 525/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 499/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 535/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
Jetina calls to Raziel for power!
She is going to cast Miracle of Healing. The intent here is to primarily use it against whatever shadows are in its mile radius.
Uh, you mean one of the 10th level miracle spells? Which one, there's uncursing, life and health.
Miracle of Life, excuse me.
Sure. Damage roll.
So due to Healing Hymn she gets +33 sacred added, along with the 25 from healer.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d4+63 : 3 + 63, total 66[/blockquote]
Everyone should get healed by that much and also get Fast Healing 11.
I was wondering what idea you had brewing.
The miracle of life fills everyone, healing wounds nad making the shadows recoil. They glow brightly with positive energy, crying out and shielding themselves from Jetina with their arms as...
Xandra.
Xandra will use Fire Storm. She gets two 300 ft cubes so it should get a good deal of these.
DC 28 reflex halves.
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 4, 3, 1, 4, 5, 1, 5, 2, 3, 2, 5, 6, 3, 6, 4, 3, 3, 6, 5, 6, total 77[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+24
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 43 > [d20=19]
Did you include her bonus damage from warmage?
I did not, good catch. Add 18, please.
The shadows are burning and sizzling with flame, glowing with positive energy. They're all ablaze now as, flickering nothingness invaded by light and life. "Finish them," Cresiel calls, as...
Go.
Moore will use his Mass Heal join Stone to drop a spell on them. Do I roll it as harm still or Just the Healing?
Ioun stone, I presume? It works like mass harm on them, dealing damage.
Yes, Ioun (that time it corrected to IOU) — He will hit as much of it as he can with the radius of... uhh, is there a 'mass harm?' I assume there is but can't find one at a glance.
DC is 34 will.
It's in a splatbook.
> roll 1d20+22 will
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=6]
Already wounded, the shadows begin to burst and fade back into Vacuum on your assault. Well over half are banished by that, clustered to you and reeling, making easy targets. Cresiel merely extends his hand out again and...
> roll 1d20 20/1 check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 7 > [d20=7]
> roll 30d12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 210 > [d12=11,11,4,8,1,7,10,5,2,7,9,6,3,4,4,11,11,5,11,5,7,12,6,11,10,8,3,5,5,8]
In that final burst, it's over. The remaining shadows are torn apart by great glory, leaving behind nothing but a damaged but intact fortress.
It's over indeed.
Free act.
Moore nods to himself.
He Sends a message to Barachiel!
'The shadows are vanquished. They were likely a remnant of the destruction of Lixer's research previously on Vacuum. The fortress is damaged but intact.'
He could fix the damage if he had time, but he'll just have to remember the location if it needs help later.
'Forces will arrive to reinforce it shortly. Return home, travel outwards to find a portal whence you came.'
Jetina lowers her holy symbol, "Returned to true rest," she agrees. "Purified in the flames."
Moore gestures for the others to follow him back to a portal home!
The trip back is uneventful.
"No vampire this time," Kaja says as he takes a moment, "Did you find out what he was after there, Moore?"
"Yes." Moore says. "It's why the devils were there, too."
"Thought they were together," Kaja goes to rest a moment while Cresiel stays on guard, Xandra merely gazing upwards. "What was down there, anyway?"
"I'm not sure on the specifics, but access to a demiplane of some sort." Moore says.
"Vague," Kaja frowns, arms crossed. "Why so vague?"
"We don't need to know, I presume, and the knowledge is valuable." Cresiel speaks here, 'Whatever it is warrants both Learner's interest and our defending it. That's enough to tell us it's important."
"Everyone's allowed their secrets." Moore says with a bit of a smile. "But once this is settled I intend to at least ask -- if the answer is it doesn't concern us, that's fine, but I will ask."
A grump at that but nothing else, everyone settling in for the next.
Within a minute, another portal appears. 'This leads to the bottom of the River Oceanus, just before it passes into Celestia. Reports indicate that a powerful and corrupted bronze dragon and his broods of half dragons as well as retainers may be attempting to infiltrate. Stand vigilant and let none sneak past you.'
A moment later a soft plop as a two potions appear before you.
'Potions to breathe water. One for you and one for Kaja.'
Wait, since when can the other ones...
...Right, they don't have to breathe.
Moore tosses a potion to Kaja and drinks his own, for all that his necklace solves the problem of water breathing.
"Well, this one may be interesting." Moore takes a deep breath. "Corrupted bronze dragon, huh?"
[22:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d100 spell failure
[22:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d100=32]
Harmonize, CL32 on Moore, 32 minute duration.
They don't have time to do many more buffs, so they'll just have to do them on the fly if they run into trouble.
Thus you all go through. It's dark but not too dark here, the waters a sapphire blue. The five of you stand on the muddy bottom, the water cool but not cold, not unpleasant. The river floor is mostly clear, only a few bits of plants and growing up from the mud.
"I don't think I've ever tried to fight in water before." Moore says. "Be on your guard, who knows what may try and attack us out here."
Would Mass Freedom of Movement make fighting in water actually... you know, not awful? I'm not sure if that applies.
Yes, it explicitly helps with underwater combat.
It lasts a good long while, so let's get a CL33 Mass freedom of movement.
It's all easier now - moving and even talking.
"Aaaah," Jetina says, waving a hand easily in front of her face. "Much better. So we're to stand guard here?"
"We will not let them pass if they try," Cresiel agrees, shield at the ready and gaze ahead.
"If it really is a bronze dragon as his followers..." Moore smiles at Kaja. "You'll get some revenge for the bad day the vampire put you through."
Kaja's smile is downright predatory as yo uall spread out and...
How are you going to keep watch here?
The good old fashioned way, by watching! Moore has True Seeing, so it shouldn't be too hard to do.
Then let's begin this the classical way - Perception checks, all.
Moore takes 10 for 77,
[23:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+47 Jetina Perception
[23:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 66 > [d20=19]
[23:06] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+62 Perception, Xandra
[23:06] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 81 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+49 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 56 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+40
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=15]
Thus the group settles in to wait. Minutes begin to pass and...
Any duration issues I need to be aware of?
All of our spells having 30 minute+ duration, so only an issue if it goes into that long.
Minute after minute passes. 10 minutes in and there's no sign of anything but fish.
Cresiel stands guard unfailingly, gaze ahead.
Xandra's gaze is ahead and yet often downcast, as if lost in thought.
Kaja has his blades at the ready, standing still and silent.
Jetina keeps her gaze moving, going side to side as the minutes pass.
Moore for his part does a small rotation around the area to ensure they're covering a good amount of area!
Specifically He will go in circles about 50 feet away from the group, going around where they currently are.
Another 5 minutes pass before a portal opens.
'This enemy struck in another location. Return back for now,' Barachiel commands.
Sometimes you get relatively lucky and don't have to fight.
Moore goes through!
Back to the beach, if dripping wet this time. Kaja blows light flames over himself to dry, while Jetina wipes her armor off with a cloth.
"One dragon's enough for a day, anyway," Jetina says, "A dragon, a vampire and....mmm, a few devils and some rabble. I wonder what's next?"
"Hopefully we can relax for a small time." Moore says. "It's been an action packed day that hasn't even really started."
"For a little while, Xandra agrees, "A chance to rest."
Any plans while you wait or just waiting for the next?
Just waiting.
Go ahead and gimme a quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 32, total 32[/blockquote]
About 10 more minutes pass. Food is brought out - simple finger foods, cheese and bread. The meal is a quiet one as you all wait.
'For now, expect no immediate missions, but you are on alert in case a serious threat emerges. You've done well, be ready for when you are called for a serious battle.'
"Stay on alert, but we can relax for now." Moore says to the others.
"Busy day," Kaja agrees conversationally, going to sit and rest.
"Hectic is the word I like," Xandra seconds, doing the same, gaze lifted upwards already.
Moore nods. "I imagine we will be called soon to aid Zamaan Rul." He says. "So be ready."
Anything to do to prepare for this or just wait?
Waiting it is.
I'll even give you a free d100
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 84, total 84[/blockquote]
Time begins to pass. Cresiel waits silently, patiently.
After perhaps 20 minutes of it Jetina looks over, "How do you do it?" She's sitting right now, resting and watching the waves.
"Do what?" Cresiel asks plainly.
"Wait so patiently," Jetina says, "Like a stone."
Here Cresiel nods, "My mother was once captured by Lovitar's minions. She told me she stood as a stone stands against the waves - strong, proud and relentless, even as a little of yourself is worn away each wave."
A beat.
"I will be the rock that is not washed away, for the glory of Chronias shines down on me."
Jetina blows out a breath at that, "That's inspiring, or a sign that you like rocks much too much for anyone but a dwarf."
"To not give up in even the most hopeless of situations is a trait that anyone should admire." Moore says with a smile. "Hope is something no one can ever take from you, no matter how terrible a situation."
"Until they break you and take it," Xandra speaks quietly, without rancor. "Until we pass into Chronias, none of us are safe from being broken. We are not yet perfect and beyond this Creation's troubles."
"Well, good thing Moore's here," Jetina flashes him a smile, "With Moore here, we'll have plenty to keep us hopeful."
"Hey, I died." Moore says. "If that didn't break me, I don't think anything can."
A beaming smile after that. "But none of us are going into Chronias anytime soon."
As you talk, another portal.
'Ogres and goblins have raided a village a sword archon guides. They are supported by a cleric of Umberlee and have taken the sword archon and the nascent church of Helm captive. This is an outpost in a deeply blighted world, one we cannot afford to lose. Moore, Kaja or Moore and Kaja, go and liberate them. This is on a Prime, so it must be one or the two of you.'
"It sounds like we have a job to do." Moore says. "I think it makes the most sense for us both to go, don't you?" He asks with a smile.
Moore will recast Life's Grace before they go anywhere, CL32, but that's it in terms of prep for now.
"If you want," Kaja says, slowly licking her lips. "That sort of thing is hardly a problem for me. Ogres, goblins, Umberlants: All bleed to my blade."
Xandra shakes her head, "Both of you go. Umberlee may take exception to such a step as sending you to a relatively minor Prime skirmish. Should her avatar take the field, you risk being drowned in the deepest ocean."
"If she sends an avatar then we will have problems no matter who goes." Moore says. "Hopefully I can just convince them to leave."
"Then let's go," Kaja says, "I'll tell you if an avatar bleeds, should I find out." He steps through the portal and is gone.
"Contact me if anything happens." Moore says as he goes through as well!
You appear behind a barn, of all things. It's late afternoon here, a sea breeze blowing. You're close to the ocean you think, though right now you're looking at the back of an utterly unremarkable barn.
"I think we're looking for the church, right?" Moore says. "Let's see what we can find."
He decides the easiest way to spot it is to fly up and look around!
It's a little, seaside town. There's only a few buildings beyond simple houses - a run down looking church, identified by the stained glass windows. The other is a larger building, notable for a flag that flies from the roof. It is a simple blue banner with a white stripe down the middle.
"I see the church over there. I think we just walk in the front door." Moore says. "No real sense in being subtle, here, I think."
Kaja agrees and follows.
As you go to the church you see the doors are open. A pair of big, burly, yellow ogres stand there. Clubs are readied, the fouls stench from them a mix of filth, meat, piss, blood and more, all baked in the summer warmth for hours.
"You!" One of the ogres growls and points, "Pixie! Good eating!"
"You get one warning." Moore says. His words are backed by a smile that rests on his face like the chill of winter during a dark night. "Go and get your Umberlant leader, or remove yourself."
Why yes, he is indeed being Scary Pixie.
Take 10 for 95 on Intimidate.
Kaja just smiles, blades ready.
"Ahaha..h...haaaaaaaa...." That laugh dies out as the ogre sees something in Moore. Something that makes him stop and turn, "Stay!" he barks to the other, hurrying away.
He can't win the relevant check.
"I really hope we can just make them leave." Moore says. "I'd be a bit surprised anyone of our caliber was sent here."
He turns to the other ogre. "You really should reconsider who you follow." He says with a warm smile.
The ogre regards you like a snake ready to strike, all tension and wariness. "You not normal pixie. You scary pixie. Too bright pixie."
Moore just smiles peacefully!
The man who comes forth is clad in chain armor and coif with the sigil of Umberlee across his chest. No weapon is visible as he approaches. Yet he stops on getting a look at you, "A pixie?" he scowls in a raspy voice.
"My name is Duke Moore of Celestia." Moore says, and offers a slight bow of his head. "I do not know why you have taken the actions thus far, but I am here to politely ask you to leave."
Kaja looms behind you in the meantime, eyeing the Umberlant balefully in the meanwhile.
"You and who else?" The Umberlant declares, ":I have dozens of soldiers and you have...a half blood dragon." A sneer at Kaja, "Umberlee's glory will not be stopped by you."
Moore shakes his head. "You and I both know that numbers can mean very little in the face of those who are much stronger. If you wish for me to prove the fact by slaying you in front of all of your followers and sending all of them scattering, I have no doubt in my mind that could be accomplished. I do not wish to waste your life, depraved as it is, on something like this. I will ask you again to please leave, and not return." Moore repeats.
Trying for Diplomacy or Intimidate here?
He is trying to be Nice Pixie and not Mean Pixie.
Let me see a Diplo check here.
Take 10 for 113. :)
The Umberlant eyes you, starting to speak.
A stop.
Another stop and start.
"I...suppose, I..." he trails off, frowning. "Why do you care?"
"I believe in the power of hope." Moore says, simply.
He takes in a small breath before he continues. "I believe that anyone can redeem themselves, if they wish to. I also believe that everyone makes mistakes, and being punished for those mistakes isn't the correct action. This is not so different than if someone had taken something from one of Umberlee's shrines and you were sent to retrieve it. While we may not agree on many things, needless killing benefits no one but demons."
As you speak, you have a sudden feeling of drowning.
The Umberlant stares, "Just...demon....monster...whatever you are. Your words..." he shakes his head, "What are you? No one speaks with such power!"
Ironically, he still has that water breathing potion, so he knows he's in no real danger of that.
"It is the power of those who follow the path of the Holy Mountain." Moore says, honestly. "You know I am speaking no lies to you."
He flies back just a small bit and opens his hand out to the village behind them, an act to hopefully demonstrate he's letting them go.
"Know that you are always welcome in Hope's Landing, should you ever wish to find it." He adds.
Perception.
Take 10 for 77... with a great deal of irony, there.
"R-retreat!" The Umberland commands, "Fall back from this...this thing!" he blurts out, before turning and hurrying away, the ogres eyeing you like a demon before they flee as well.
"You feel that?" Moore asks as he proceeds inside. "That feeling like Umberlee is watching us?"
"Like I'm drowning," Kaja says, "It may be a warning and wise to leave now. Not that I fear a waterlogged bitch."
"We will." He affirms.
Intent is to make sure our archon friend is okay.
You race inside. Inside the defaced and broken interior are a few dozen people, tied up. Some are out cold, some aren't. The sword archon lies to the side, unmoving and bound in chains.
"Who...?" An older man calls, "You aren't the Umberlant!"
"We are friends, but we can't stay long or we will invite something worse." Moore says with a smile. He flies over to the archon and lays a hand on him.
Two Cure Light Wounds, I'm mostly just trying to get him awake.
The magic is enough. The archon stirs, "Who...thank you," he breathes out. "The light around you..."
The air is thick and wet. You feel as if you are underwater.
"They're gone for now." Moore says. "Hopefully for a while. We have to go, I think you know why. Pray if She retaliates against you when we leave, and we will deal with it." He says, then he backs off.
"I'm sorry I can't do more for you right now. Be strong." He says.
He uses his Sending Stone to inform Barachiel that the Umberlant and forces were driven off, the archon is safe, and Umberlee is quite displeased.
Perception.
Take 10 for 77.
You can hear the roar of a wave distantly, but it's getting louder by the moment. You notice that as you go for your sending stone.
"And after everything I did to keep your servant alive." Moore mutters. He quickly uses his stone to notify Barachiel the Umberlants are gone but Umberlee seems to be retaliating.
He could try and whisk them all somewhere but that's really beyond what he was sent here to do!
'Retreat or confront her at your discretion,' Barachiel replies to your sending.
Well confronting her really isn't an option, but neither is leaving these people to get wiped out. But this may just be her way of saying hello.
Moore grabs Kaja and with a word of magic they return to Hopes Landing!
Just the two of you, correct?
Yes. Moore's thinking that if they leave Umberlee will stop being awful. And if not, then Celestia will see to intervention if needed.
Thus you return.
"How was it?" Jetina asks immediately, "Everything alright?"
"We scared off an Umberlant and his boss got mad. It was fine, I just hope the people we left will be okay."
"Unusual for you to be sent there," Cresiel observes, "It speaks to how occupied our emergency forces are - and even then, that's usually a matter for mortals to resolve."
"Indeed." Moore confirms. "I can only hope this means the enemy is spread just as thin by this."
"Or a possible unrelated action was struck hard because Celestia is on high alert," Cresiel muses, "That may be a longer term difficulty, or there are angles and reasons we cannot see."
"It may be what was there was valuable enough to provoke it," Xandra says, "We don't know. Let us look forward instead of backwards."
"There's no sense in worrying." Moore agrees. "We will just continue to bring hope to those in need."
Well done on that one. Give me another d100 as you wait.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 19, total 19[/blockquote]
Done and done. Perhaps only 2 minutes pass before you get another message, another portal. 'On Lightning, a celestial delegation in peaceful contact with the Sha'azim Storm Lord has been abducted. Find them on plane and discern where they have been taken if not. Hurry.'
Well, some of them are immune to electricity...
Moore goes through the portal immediately!
"Hold on," Cresiel says, "Do we need wardings against electricity or protections?"
"Better to be safe than sorry." Moore says.
Jetina should have the resources for a Mass Energy Immunity for Electricity.
Thus it's done and cast.
It's all black clouds, dancing lightning and the scent of ozone. Lightning crackles all around - up and down, side to side, in loops and more. Everywhere the wrath of the storm erupts, great cascades of it going everywhere. You stand on a solid ground - here a tower of solid iron is ahead, constantly crackling with electricity as it's struck. A street is behind you - some sort of city, though the thick clouds are everywhere, obscuring visibility.
Moore casts Hindsight! Perhaps he will get a sense of the diplomats whereabouts!
Using the days version of Hindsight. Has anyone been here recently?!
You see it.
A planetar assisted by devas, several hound archons and a handful of lantern archons. They are just leaving the tower when it happens. A tearing in the world around them, the warriors coming. Figures of steel, construct and golem like. Dozens pour in at once - from the portals, from within the ground, a fewrushing in from outside of your field of vision.
The battle is short, ugly - and with tactical surprise, the celestials fall. Not a one is visibly slain, instead subdued and taken away, taken away and gone, out into the lightning-caressed streets beyond this.
"They were abducted." Moore says with a grimace.
"Now, to find them." He turns to go the way his visions saw them go.
So the idea from here will basically be to go, lets say a block or two, use Hindsight and keep following them. Should've warded your constructs!!!
This will hopefully lead us in some direction unless all the constructs teleport off or something.
There's no roar of thunder.
Lightning but no thunder. Crackles, bursts - but no thunder. You can talk at a normal volume, even as electricity gushes through all of you, a passing bolt.
"Stay in a defensive formation and protect Moore," Cresiel commands, "We don't know if enemies may assault us or interfere."
"Wise, I foresee danger," Xandra says, taking Moore's left flank as Cresiel flies ahead of him. Jetina goes for the right flank and Kaja the rear.
"There's definitely something unpleasant here." Moore says. "Let's find it."
Continuing as above.
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 22, total 22[/blockquote]
The streets are almost silent as you pass by tower after tower of lightning. Here lightning strikes and dances between towers. Great billowing, black clouds are about. There's no rain, only the fury of the storms.
Onward. Onward. Onward. Down three streets, a side street and more. Yet as you turn into another stone street, a figure blocks your way. A snakelike creature, humanoid upper body and the lower body that of a tail. He is masculine and scaled all over, lightning touching him to no harm at all. He has no weapon readied.
In Auran he declares, "Who comes? Who comes, new Stormdancers? Are you of Nature's Heart? Are you of the dancing many?" He speaks in a hissing, raspy voice. Then he stops on eyeing Cresiel, "Seven winged one!" He hisses, slithering back and away fast as he can.
Cresiel merely holds his weapon at the ready, gaze locked on the snake-creature.
"Peace." Is all Moore says as he continues his investigation!
you have a coupon for a free d100
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 78, total 78[/blockquote]
The creature flees away, scurrying into a tower and slamming the door shut behind him.
Cresiel doesn't say a word, continuing on instead.
"Something is definitely going on." Moore says as they continue.
"Something has gone wrong here," Xandra says, "I see fear on every face I foresee."
"Good, they'll scatter easier when we intimidate them," Kaja says, a sharp smile on his face, tongue running over his teeth.
"We will get to the bottom of it." Moore says as he continues his search!
Winding down here now. I will post Yuth a little more since he's off today, though. Ran over as it is.
This is an acknowledgment as well as an excuse to post for later.
On and on. Past iron towers of lightning. Through clouds thicker than air. Ever onward in this strange, ozone laden silence. Through a cloud and another and another - and at last checking back, you see the end of the trail. The kidnapped are taken within the tower ahead.
It is an iron tower like the others, perhaps ten stories tall. It rises up amid the storms, uncaring of the lightning striking it.
"I have a feeling they won't just open at a knock." Moore says.
Regardless, he takes out his Teleport Blocker and activates it.
He walks up to the tower and bangs his hand on the door to it to announce himself.
Cresiel is at your side, silent and ready. The others are just behind you as perhaps stunningly, there's no answer at the door.
"You have ten seconds before we barge in." Moore says, loudly enough that any around could easily hear him. "Ten. Nine."
At four, the door opens. The figure there is squat - a jackal-man, yet hunched and dwarf like. A dirty thing, a foul thing clad in filthy pants and nothing else. He takes one look at Cresiel and screams. "GET BACK! GET BACK, SEVEN WINGED ONE!" he howls, slamming the door shut, "YOU'LL NOT TAKE MY SOUL THIS NIGHT!" His voice is high pitched, almost feminine.
"We are not here to kill you." Moore says, as kindly as he is able. "However, we witnessed golems and constructs bring friends of ours into this tower. I would like you to please tell me where they are, and, if they are not here, what was done with them."
Unfortunately, with the door slammed in your faces, having a conversation is rather difficult.
"I'm...not even trying to intimidate them," Cresiel finally says, voice softly puzzled. "Is this a city of madmen or those who fear judgment for sin?"
"I know if I were evil and saw a solar, I'd run as fast as I could," Jetina ventures, "That's common sense."
To this Xandra is quiet a short time, "I foresee he's not an enemy - only terrified."
"Let me handle it." Moore says. He lifts his voice again. "We mean you no harm. We seek to find our friends, so I would ask you to please open your door so we can talk. I would be happy to pay you for your time."
No answer.
Cresiel meanwhile hefts his hammer, before bringing it down in a thunderous blow.
> roll 1d20 1 check
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d20=9]
The door caves in ward, collapsing. "Go," Cresiel says. "We pursue the wicked to save the innocent."
"Guard the beacon." Moore says. "Kaja, come with me."
Moore goes to enter the tower and look for the jackal-man!
The two of you slink in. The tower is silent, and within is a greeting room, full of decoration and pleasant. Yet here the jackal-man hides, a silver tray used as a shield. "Back! Back! I'll not have the Grim Fiend darken my door, for he follows!"
"Please, calm yourself." Moore says. "We are not here to harm you. I know we just broke your door down, I will fix that. But we seek to find our friends who were brought here, and seek to understand why you are so fearful of celestials."
Give me immediate Diplomacy, -27 circumstance penalty.
Take 10 for 88.
The creature whimpers low, "Stay away, stay away, " he sobs, "The Seven Winged One has come and soon the Grim Fiend will follow. I won't obey, I won't kneel, I won't obey, I won't kneel, I won't obey, I won't kneel., I won't obey, I won't kneel, I won't obey."
"You have nothing to fear from us." Moore says. "Please, what can I do to prove to you we mean you no harm? You do not have to obey me or kneel to me, I am seeking information from you, so if..."
A smile crosses his lips as he flies forward and lands on the ground, with his knees there as he bows his head low. "Please."
Something in your words - the jackal-man shakes and drops the tray, shuddering. He hugs himself, rocking back and forth. "Three days ago, we all saw it. That the Seven Winged One would come. The Grim Fiend follows. All will bow to him and his master. The Grim Fiend follows, pixie. Do you understand?" Looking up at you, eyes wide and ragged, "THE GRIM FIEND FOLLOWS!"
"Do you know who brought the others in here?" Moore asks, completely changing the subject. "And where they've gone?"
"They ran. They could run. They might be in league with the Grim Fiend. They were prepared. Ready. My master aided them, fled with them, left me." The words come faster, shakier. "He comes. The Grim Fiend comes."
"Where did your master go? I can take you to him." Moore says. "Don't lost hope. I promise, we won't let the Grim Fiend hurt you."
"Thunder Hall," The figure blurts out, "Hurry, hurry, hurry. Hurry. Hurry. HURRY! HURRY! HURRY! HURRY!" He rocks back and forth again, "The Grim Fiend comes! Beware those crowned with the star!"
Quick K:P, is that on Lightning?
You believe so - but the problem is that you've heard of multiple places named that.
It's sort of a logical name on the plane, all said. More information is needed.
"Which one?" Moore asks quickly. "You guys aren't very inventive with your names here."
Rocking back and forth, "A-across the city. There's a tunnel below, a tunnel below, the Grim Fiend comes and takes us all below. Mother, please. Mother, help me. Mother, help me. Mother, mother, mother, mother, mother, mother!"
Kaja grimaces, "Do something, Moore. Please."
"I don't actually have a lot of magic for this." Moore admits. He takes a deep breath and focuses, as he flies over and puts a hand on him.
He's going to cast Heart's Ease, for as much as that probably won't do much.
"Listen to me." Moore says. His words -- he tries to evoke the power of the Words of Creation to them. "We will keep you safe. Do not lose hope."
The jackal-man's eyes turn glassy, relaxed. "Okay," he says, voice calming. "Just be wary of the Grim Fiend. He comes."
"Come on, we are going to get you to safety." Moore says. "Kaja, can you carry him, please?"
Lets go back to our friends!!
Kaja does so. Your allies await you and...
Go ahead.
"I think they're safe." Moore says. "I have no idea what's going on here, but it sounds like someone proclaimed something will befall this place, so I want to investigate." He explains.
"Can you guide us to Thunder Hall?" Moore asks the resident.
He also disables the blocker and returns it to his bag!
"Inside," The jackal-man says, "Take the secret tunnel inside."
"Something's wrong," Xandra agrees, "If it involves Cresiel, we have more than reason to investigate further."
Moore nods and goes inside to find the tunnel with the aid of the jackal man!
You go inside and to a false wall within. Stairs down. You travel down into the dark, into the iron that reeks of ozone.
Below is a storage room, and the jackal-man points to a pile of boxes. "Move those. The passage is behind them."
The boxes are thus moved and the party will continue!
There is a passage here, obvious once the boxes are gone.
Your keen eyes see ahead in the gloom.
From a ceiling beam is a noose, from which hangs another jackal-man. He is dead and gone, a nine pointed star painted on his head in blood.
Beyond this the passage continues on, into the deeper darkness.
Moore says a silent prayer to Erathaol to watch over them.
Take 10 for 61 on spellcraft before they go anywhere if there's anything magical going on. If not they will proceed.
No magic.
Xandra flies forward, a swipe of her blade cutting the jackal-man free. She gently lowers him to the ground with her free arm, "You poor, tormented fool. Light have mercy on you."
"Is it infernal submission?" Cresiel asks, simply.
"I fear so, but lack confirmation." Xandra puts the body to rest. "I remember your stories about the pits of Lifasa, where captives were encouraged to commit suicide as submission to the devils, to send themselves screaming into Baator. I pray this is not the same."
"I heard the stories and saw the depths the devils sunk to," Cresiel confirms, "Forward. Souls rest in the balance."
"We won't stand for this." Moore says, with a frown.
"We will bring hope and light to this place." He continues forward.
The path continues for some time and...
Hindsighting in here?
Yes, lets do it somewhat after the suicide.
You see they continue on down this hall, hurrying along it. Looks pretty straightforward as you go - no surprises or anything like that.
As you do...
Perception.
Take 10 for 77
There's an incredibly faint but palpable sense of passing through something about midway or so. Like something...not solid, but something you can feel.
Take 10 for 61 to see if there's magic. If he doesn't get anything, then another Hindsight to see if there's anything going on.
Excuse me, 67
What spell are you using to discern magic, or skill in the case of a relevant skill?
Detect Magic. I will take the time needed to identify any relevant... uh, magic, I guess?
There's a faint bit of magic in the air - just a little bit of transmutation to reinforce the walls and supports here.
Would my knowledge of magic be able to say if what I felt was normal, then, for that sort of magic?
Check total?
Spellcraft of 67.
It's...subtle. Just a ripple of magic or an abjuration in particular.
But it's not right. You don't know what it is, but it's not right.
"Xandra, Cresiel." Moore says, gesturing around them, at where he felt the 'pulse' in particular. "Can you feel it? There's something wrong right here. It's... like we passed through something, almost. Like a curtain."
"It isn't right," Xandra says, "We're somewhere that isn't right. It's...wrong." Frowning deeply, "Like a mural painted atop reality."
"Wonderful," Kaja says, "Can we slash it?"
Moore uses his Sending Stone to test something.
'Lord Erathaol, are you able to hear me?'
No response.
Moore frowns. "I think we walked into a trap, but..."
He experimentally tries to fly back through the way he came and then tries again.
When you try to go back, you find you can't.
"...well, I think we found the problem," Jetina finally says.
> roll 1d20+63 touch AC yes yes, I know
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 83 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+63 touch AC yes yes, I know geez that's just being mean
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 70 > [d20=7]
You have miss chance, right?
I do, 20%. I am also immune to crits, even if that fails.
> roll 1d100 vs 20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d100=3]
Lucky.
There's a sense of something biting you, but it fades and is gone a moment later.
"Jetina, Celestial Valor, please." Moore says.
Jetina will do so, CL33 Celestial Valor for 33 minutes.
Moore is going to get all of his songs going, would anything impede him doing so?
It would not.
Ha! You fool! He's not really going to do anything!
No, I'm joking, he's totally doing that.
+18 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +18 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
+8 Attack rolls, +3 fort 8d10+8 HD worth of HP
+12 morale bonus to saves and +12 dodge to AC
+8 sacred vs fear and emotion effects that would sap the will to fight, +4 sacred to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, armor class and saving throws, weapons count as holy
[22:58] <Nephrite2> roll 8d10
[22:58] <Penuche> Nephrite2 invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d10=3,1,4,1,10,3,2,3]
That was a really sad set of 8d10, but so it goes.
Moore: 91
Cresiel: 115
Xandra: 99
Kaja: 91
Jetina: 85
In total:
Attack: +31
Weapon damage: +22
AC: +16 (4 sacred, 12 dodge)
Saving throws: +16 (4 sacred, 12 morale)
Moore takes a breath after he empowers everyone.
Refreshment cast also to remove the nonlethal damage. He'll also use Harmonize here, as well as Foresight, both CL 32.
Another breath afterwards as he proceeds forward.
And a spoiler block because I really should've posted this a while ago:
Active Spells: Superior Resistance (CL 31), True Seeing (CL10), Bibliotecha Arcana (CL31), Mind Blank (CL15), Celestial Valor, Harmonize, Foresight, Greater True Seeing, Energy Immunity, Cold, Fire, Electric, Death's Ward, Life's Grace, Fortunate Fate
HP: 498+91
AC: 64 (+22) , 48 touch, 54 flatfooted 20% miss chance, SR 48, 30 resist all to elements
32/38 Bardic music uses 0/3 Refrain
Spells:
Bard
0th - 4/4 (DC 22)
1st - 8/8
2nd - 5/7
3rd - 7/7
4th - 7/7
5th - 7/7
6th - 6/6
7th - 4/6
8th - 6/6
9th - 4/5
10th - 3/3
Favored Soul:
0th - 5/5
1st - 9/9
2nd - 9/9
3rd - 9/9
4th - 9/9
5th - 4/8
6th - 6/8
7th - 6/8
8th - 7/8
9th - 8/8
10th - 3/3
Oh, one more thing, he'll also toss in Greater True Seeing.
And everyone also gets a CL22 Fortunate Fate. I will deduct the spells from Moore on that.
One more thing, he'd try Hindsight near the 'entrance'
Post incoming now, will be a long once since spoiler blocks.
Hindsight is invoked.
It goes back a few days, seeing the kidnappers flee - but as it goes further back, it abruptly stops early.
[spoiler]
Moore: 91
Cresiel: 115
Xandra: 99
Kaja: 91
Jetina: 85
In total:
Attack: +31
Weapon damage: +22
AC: +16 (4 sacred, 12 dodge)
Saving throws: +16 (4 sacred, 12 morale)
Cresiel
HP: 745 (21)/745 (regeneration 19)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Protective 20ft (+4 deflection/+4 resistance vs evil)
Bonuses: Attack+1, Damage+0 AC+1, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0 extra attack from haste.
Resources: Holy Fury 29/32 (enc) Channel Energy 13/13 Divine Retribution 1/1 Blinding Speed 25/25 Knight's Challenge 15/15
Spells Used: Bolt of Gloryx2, Cresiel's Valiant Stand, Heal, Burst of Glory.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Detect Evil (CL31), Detect Snares and Pits (CL31), Discern Lies (CL31), True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32), Haste (CL32)
Notes: Adjacent allies gain a shield bonus equal to Cresiel's shield bonus.
Xandra
HP: 525/551
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Menace 20ft (-2 attacks, AC, saves; DC 37)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 9/9 Lay On Hands 16/16 Servant of the Heavens 1/1 Sudden Empower 1/1 Sudden Enlarge 1/1
Spells Used: 1 12th level
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: True Seeing (CL31), Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Has bardic music in the rare event Moore can't cover something.
Kaja
HP: 499/545
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Breath Weapon 1/1 Dervish Dance 12/12 Endless Cuts 3/3 +5 One Attack On FA 1/1 (rnd) Take 10 On One Attack (rnd) 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Goes in and wrecks things. The end.
Jetina
HP: 535/570 (fast healing 5)
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear), Positive Energy 10ft (1 hit point healing/round)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Smite Evil 7/7 Smite 6/6 Channel Energy 14/14 Emergency Healing 3/3 True Believer 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active: Mass Death Ward (CL33), Mass Energy Immunity (Cold, Fire) (CL33), Mass Freedom of Movement (CL33), Life's Grace (CL21), Fortunate Fate (CL32), Mass Surefooted Stride (CL32),
Notes: Divine Vigor is +10ft land movement and +2 temp hp per hit die. Divine Shield is Cha mod to shield bonus to armor class.
"Well, the good news is they came this way. The bad news is whatever is in place has been here for a few days." Moore says.
Regardless, it's time to move forward!
Cresiel leads the way, ready to defend.
The path ahead ultimately leads to a short stairway and a closed door.
> roll 1d20+63 touch AC yes yes, I know
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 82 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+63 touch AC yes yes, I know crit geez
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=5]
Obligatory question of Xandra's touch AC.
54 at a glance
> roll 2d4+2 int, wis, cha damage forgot it was a crit, my bad.
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 5 > [d4=1,2]
Does Xandra have protection against crits or ability damage?
No protection from Crits but we have both Life's Grace and Death Ward to cover negative energy, ability drain and damage.
Xandra shudders suddenly, holding her arm. "What was...?"
"I don't know." Moore says.
Hindsight to see where they went!
They went inside, as you'd expect.
"I felt something," Cresiel declares. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. It was like teeth gnawing on my arm, needle sharp." Xandra rubs her upper arm carefully, slowly.
Moore nods and goes to open the door! If it's locked, they have the key they need in the form of a mace.
The door isn't locked. Within is a storeroom, similar to the one in the other tower. Stairs lead up and out.
Your superior senses and perception let you note a thin sheen of something wet atop the ceiling, though it isn't dripping down.
Moore peers up at the substance. "I'm not sure what that is up there, but be aware of it."
Does Hindsight tell me anything other than they came this way?
Jetina flies up a bit, "It looks like some sort of slime," she says, peering closer.
They indeed came this way and went upstairs.
"Is this...?" Moore blinks. "I... Hmm. Be on your guard." He says as he heads up!
Upstairs. As you walk up the stairs, you notice the air feels thicker, resistant to your passage.
"Are we inside something trying to dissolve us?" Moore asks aloud as he continues on. "This isn't normal, and I'm not familiar with what it could be..."
Sorry about the long turnover, Seiraposts are super long right now.
"I don't know, either," Cresiel says, "Not what I expected for the Grim Fiend."
"Who is the Grim Fiend?" Kaja speaks up at this, "It sounds meaningful."
"The only one I'm familiar with is one of Asmodeus' high-ranking officers. Considering the Hellish imagery we've seen so far, it's definitely related somehow." Moore says as he continues.
"Aesmadeva, the Grim Fiend," Cresiel says grimly, "All I know is that he is the Lord of the Ninth's bodyguard. I expected something more martial."
Up you go to the ground floor. Everything here is unremarkable, decorated plainly. A living space, nothing more. There's stairs to the next floor, and you can note that the ceiling is thickly covered in the same slime as the previous floor.
No sense in lingering, they may as well go up and find out what awaits them!
As you go Cresiel grimaces, "Teeth," he says shortly, not stopping as he is protected.
> roll 1d20+63 touch AC yes yes, I know
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 68 > [d20=5]
The next floor is slime. Slime coats everything, thick and clinging.
"None of this makes sense." Moore says as he looks around.
Does Hindsight show me what caused this? Also are there more stairs up?
They all continue upstairs.
"We're missing something," Xandra agrees, "Reality becomes less and less real as we go up. I don't understand it at all."
"Eeew," Jetina makes a face at the slime, "Disgusting."
"We're missing a big piece," Kaja agrees, "This doesn't feel like Hell's normal tactics at all. Let alone someone of that infernal importance."
Moore frowns all of a sudden. "No, this isn't like Hell at all." He says as he takes a moment to focus.
I know we're not on Limbo but he has a feeling there may be some chaotic forces at work here. Does his anarch power have any effect here? He's basically testing the waters to see if this is slaad or demons.
Make an anarch check, you know the drill here by now.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 20 + 21, total 41[/blockquote]
if he's successful he's basically trying to turn the slime into... I don't know, Stone.
A high pitched, whining noise is heard. More rapidly than you can follow, the slime everywhere gushes upward, passing through the ceiling like it isn't there. A moment later everything is -right- again. Real. Real in a way you realize it wasn't moments ago. It's like reality was a colorless illusions, only obvious now that you are free of it that slime.
Nothing but a trick of light and reality and ideas, perhaps. A reality that was no more than the passing fancy of something else.
"Slaad." Moore says, with some amount of contempt.
He wastes no time in going up from here!
I get 20s in the oddest circumstances.
"Slaad," Cresiel echos you, "This will be a purification, merely of a different type."
Xandra smiles now, "Let us show them that no amount of chaos obscures the holy light."
Third floor, more living rooms and a small library. No sign of the slime. More stairs going up.
"Now I wonder if all this fear has been fabricated on these poor people." Moore says as he continues up.
"It might-"
Will saves, all. Protection from mind affecting doesn't stop or suppress it, but you gain a +5 bonus to the save.
Everyone has +16 to saves as a reminder.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+71 : 6 + 71, total 77[/blockquote] Moore, mettle.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 16 + 52, total 68[/blockquote] xandra
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+55 : 3 + 55, total 58[/blockquote] Jetina, mettle
> roll 1d20+51 Cresiel
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20+39 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=13]
Whatever it is, it's strong and you have a sensation of panic, of terror - yet you shake it off. Unreality coils around you, thick and slimy. Tendrils of it begin to form all about you, like limbs taking shape, arms with grasping hands in particular.
"Enough!" Moore shouts, the Words of Creation booming without the need to scream. "Cease this at once, or you'll return to Limbo in as many pieces as Renbuu has of art!"
He is more or less trying the Words of Creation as an anathema to whatever this actually is.
Cha check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+45 : 11 + 45, total 56[/blockquote] Aura, Gi
You feel strangely fine after that usage, no drain to you.
> roll 1d20+41
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=17]
Yet it does not stop. The figures quickly rise, arms becoming parts of bodies. Humanoid bodies of slime, all with the same face reacting the same way. An empty, incomplete face, wrinkled and crude.
"Come at your own peril," Cresiel warns, as the ooze bodies begin to approach nonetheless.
"...ur struggle is fated to rea..."
Chains of ooze begin to emerge from the bodies.
"...ss to create a Solar's Ric..."
Grinning, leering skulls of slime begin to jut out from the chest of the ooze men.
"...ver wondered WHY Hell took Lifas..."
The chains begin to swirl in the air, the clang of metal despite them being mere slime.
"...e solar will soon submit t..."
The skulls pop out of the bodies, floating in the air as Cresiel grimaces tightly, deeply.
...gon's life is irrelevant in light of our goa..."
Thick golden scales of slime begin to form on the bodies of the slime men.
"I've never tried this, but we're going to see what happens."
Moore takes in a deep breath. "Leave!" It's one word, which he tries to emphasize with the power of Words as well as his anarch powers!
lets see if balancing law and chaos works, shall we?
In that case let's go to init since they're not going to take it lightly now.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+41 : 18 + 41, total 59[/blockquote] Moore
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+21 : 9 + 21, total 30[/blockquote] Xandra
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+20 : 8 + 20, total 28[/blockquote] Jetina
> roll 1d20+30 Cresiel
> roll 1d20+30 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 33 > [d20=3]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+41 using Moore init
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=4]
Init is Moore (59) > Kaja (49) > Slime (45) > Cresiel (33) > Xandra (30) > Jetina (28)
Go, be it what you just tried or something else.
He is indeed trying the ambiguous combination of Words + Anarch ability.
Cha check.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+45 : 3 + 45, total 48[/blockquote]
Your words seem to resonate.
"Leave."
The slime men repeat your exact word, your voice heard from them.
"Leave." Another echoing of it.
The slime begins to retreat again.
"Leave."
A third utterance as the slime figures fall apart, rising up again and gone.
"They're...mimics?" Jetina says, "Do they even have a will of their own?"
Free act.
"Did something collide with a slaad here?" Moore asks as he continues on and up. "It's like... some sort of quasi-intelligent thing collided with something else and is trying to..."
A blink. "Damnit, I hope it isn't what I think it is and it's just a slaad..."
"I don't know, but...." A pause here, "Maybe it mentioned a solar," Cresiel reasons, "And my appearance fulfills that without it being about me in particular."
"Maybe," Xandra says, "We need to climb higher and shine light of what awaits us there."
"Or stab it," Kaja says agreeably, already going on up.
"Xandra, we may need your special abilities for this." He says as they go.
"You'll have them." Xandra promises.
Up more floors. Uneventful, no sign of it. It's only the top floor that you find it - all is dissolved into slime. Here the captured celestials lie, entombed in cocoons of slime. In the center is a throbbing, pulsing sphere of slime, perhaps the size of a dwarf or so. The same face as on the slime men is seen within it.
Your keen vision also lets you notice that there's something within it. A book, if you don't miss your guess.
"Peace." Moore says, again, in the Words of Creation. "We are not here to harm you."
He takes a breath in. This will be good practice for going Beyond.
"You seek knowledge and wisdom." Moore says, it's a statement of fact, a statement of understanding.
"You seek knowledge and wisdom," It says, echoing you with your own voice.
Xandra steps forward, "You need our help."
A moment later, "You need our help," is echoed, in Xandra's own voice.
"I think, in its own way, it understands us." Moore says as he slowly approaches it.
There's no reaction to it - but your keen sight lets you notice the book jostles as it moves, opening.
Can he see what it says?
Perception.
77~
The book within is titled, 'The Grim Fiend'.
Also 10 minute break for an eye compress, but I'll be posting more after that.
Of course.
"I am going to get rid of The Grim Fiend." Moore says.
Assuming there is no immediate reaction, he will reach in to try and pull the (surely cursed) book out!!
Yet as you reach to do that, abruptly-!
Will saves all, +5 if immune but still need to make the save.
Moore, mettle
Xandra
Jetina, mettle
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+71 : 3 + 71, total 74[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+52 : 18 + 52, total 70[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+55 : 7 + 55, total 62[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+51 Cresiel
> roll 1d20+39 Kaja
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 67 > [d20=16]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d20=19]
The pulse of magic is nigh overwhelming, but again you maintain yourselves.
You feel a splash of terror, a numb horror at a dreadful fiend looming over you - yet you resist it as...
Go ahead.
Moore attempts to pull the book out in earnest, ready for some sort of horrible thing to happen when he touches it!
Strength check.
[17:18] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+19 STRONG PIXIE
[17:18] <Penuche> Nephrite invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=13]
With a desperate lunge, Moore reaches in and pushes through the slime. He grasps the book and yanks it out. The moment he does, the slime retreats into the sphere and all is still. The captured celestials are still.
"I don't even know where to begin with this." Moore admits. "I think we need to go back home for now and take it with us, and we can sort out the particulars there."
"Can we move it," Cresiel examines it...only for Xandra to gently take it in her hands, no resistance as she holds it.
"Well, that answers that," Jetina offers. "It looks like others here will wake up with time and should be fine."
"Let's leave our Jackal-man friend here, I'm afraid he'd be too traumatized if he saw more than one solar." Moore says. "But we need to come back here when time permits us to do so to help set this place right.
He does turn to him before they go. "We will return and will make everything right. Please, for now, just wait for us."
Assuming there's nothing that prevents us from going back, Moore will get everyone back to Hope's Landing -- and by everyone I mean the other celestials and the party.
What magic for mass transport?
Whoops, I didn't notice Greater Plane Shift had a limit of eight people. It's the little things in life, you know?
In that case Moore will use Vul'lath's Relief to make a Gate, then Cresiel and Kaja can carry the unconscious ones through and we'll all go together.
and yes Moore is taking the awful book with them
Thus all of you arrive back. The sphere of slime stays still even now, you notice, as you return to the bright shores of Celestia.
Moore's first job is to report that the diplomats are all safe and sound. He'll leave out the details to Barachiel for now.
"Now, then, what in the world -is- this thing?"
Moore will take 10 on appropriate knowledges (whichever those are) for 95 to try and suss out what the sphere of slime actually is, if he possibly can.
You believe you've heard of this, but only rarely. It is called a genius loci - an idea that is not an idea at all. An empty idea, something waiting to be defined. It manifests as a type of ooze, seeking to grasp and mimic ideas in place of its emptiness.
They're unusual things to say the least and rarely seen.
"Are you all familiar with genius loci?" He asks aloud. "That's what this seems to be, but... I still have other questions now... like whether the people who attacked the others were even real."
Would he know if they're normally contained in a sphere like this one is, or did someone 'capture' this one?
If genius loci are contained in a sphere, you mean?
Yes.
You believe that's the natural form for them.
"We can find the details out later, but I think this was found by someone there." Moore says. "It's entirely possible it visited Limbo on its way or was recovered from there. Either way, we will have to have a long conversation with the diplomats to explain what happened."
Moore frowns and looks over at The Grim Fiend. "I imagine the answers about 'what' happened lie in that book, though I'm loathe to read it."
The light of Chronias shines, including through the genius loci. It floats there, unmoving.
"I think all we need to know was seen," Xandra says, "But others may be able to ward themselves against possible danger and read it. Donate it, and should they feel it best be destroyed, than so be it."
"I'm warded myself, so let me try." Moore says as he goes to open the book, trying to mentally prepare for the same effect that tried to fear them earlier!
The book looks to be a collection of assorted stories and rantings about Aesmadeva, the Grim Fiend. By and large those who speak these stories are madmen, minds shattered by what they have seen. At least on a glance, you could take time to read deeper if you wish.
"I think I found the source of the fear." Moore says.
He looks through the book to see if he can find a story about a solar heralding the coming of Aesmadeva.
There is indeed a story of 'the seven winged one' proclaiming the arrival of Aesmadeva. From the reading of it, you believe it is likely a fallen solar in the service of the Lord of the Seventh, perhaps Nemiel, one of the Lord of the Seventh's heralds.
"There it is." Moore says as he taps a page. "I think somehow this loci absorbed this book and started to show the people living there images."
Here Cresiel merely nods, "Then mere illusions and desires to be," he says gruffly. "Nothing more."
"Nothing more," Jetina says agreeably, "It's nice that it wasn't something horrifying for once. If only Orcus had been the same."
"As far as I'm concerned, I don't know quite what to do with this." Moore says. "It's a living creature, but it can't decide for itself what to do yet. Maybe just letting it bask in the Light here will help influence it?"
"Infinitely better than that book," Kaja agrees, "Ah, do we have a more suitable book for it to absorb?"
"I'm sure I could find something." Moore says. "Maybe a book on choices? Ultimately, my hope is that it will decide for itself what it wants to be."
"If it's trying to do that," Xandra remarks, "It's previous efforts were disastrous."
"One of those slime-amalgamations said something like it wanted to understand why Lifasa fell." Moore says. "I think... when we stepped into that hallway it had a piece of all of us, in addition to this book. I think in a controlled environment it should be fine."
"I hope so," Xandra agrees. "For now..."
Just going to put the loci aside for now?
Yes, we will find some good books for it to read while and for the most part be on hand for any further shenanigans today.
Sure, gimme a quick d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 79, total 79[/blockquote]
For the moment at least, you have peace and quiet. No mission immediately, so you...
You have at least a little time to rest or do something at home before the next one, looks like. Alternately you can just wait for the next mission.
We will just rest in that case. No need to over exert.
You rest. Long minutes pass of nothing happening, until Kaja speaks up. "Do you think the storm's passing?" he speaks aloud.
"No." Moore says. "I think we're capable of making too much of an impact for us to not get involved. It's just too great a battle."
Jetina goes to sit on the sands again, resting while she can. "I think so too, but maybe our role in is done? ... No, I don't think so, either."
As you all talk Wood trots up, coming over and lying next to you.
Moore offers Jetina a smile as he pats Wood's head. "It's a good thing to be needed, regardless. It's also a good thing that we aren't needed so much so that we don't have time to relax."
Wood gets petted.
"That is good," Cresiel says, "I will not rest if I do not need to, but I know other creatures are not so determined."
"Rest is good when you need it," Jetina agrees, "What do you think the next problem will be?"
"Do you mean beyond the war?" Moore asks. "Good question. Shar will likely make her move at some point soon, perhaps even during the current conflict. To liberate every slave in Fire would be a massive blow to her strength and domain over hopelessness."
"Only for all those beaten efreet to take their place," Kaja growls. After a sharp look from Xandra, "I mean in hopelessness. Losing a war is never pretty on the losing side, let alone when they're determined spirits like the efreet. I doubt they'll throw flowers in the streets of the City of Brass should our armies march there in triumph."
"No." It's Jetina who says that, "That's the sort of fool's thing Shar wants you to think.' Her voice has a bit of fire to it now. "Where's your hope?"
"Standing side by side with the worst, as I hope for the best," Kaja retorts, "I hope, but I also understand what may be if my hopes aren't fulfilled. A man with only hope is a fool."
"I understand what you mean." Moore says. "The traitors from Lifasa, some of them died, but some of them were imprisoned. Will they ever have hope again? Or will it just be a spiral of despair for them until their final days?"
A pause here, where he smiles. "I choose to believe in things like Antenora, who was able to overcome so much and still become a beacon of hope in her own right. I know exactly what you mean, Kaja, and you may not be wrong... but it's our job to make things as good as we can for those who we can help. We may not be able to call those who reside in the City of Brass our friends after all of this, but... we can't give up on the idea of helping them, either."
"Hmph." Kaja says, "I'd rather I was wrong, but I don't believe I am."
"Cynicism kills as surely as a blade," Xandra murmurs, "Except it hits the spirit rather than the body."
"I've not lost hope, I merely don't have any illusions about what's happening," Kaja's retort sounds thoughtful, "Is there anything we can do while we wait, Moore? We seem to have some time."
"Actually, there is something I've been meaning to do for a while, and the timing just never worked out." Moore says. "The other group -- you haven't had a chance to meet them yet, Tryll's. Let me see if he's even available to come. I don't want to get him embroiled in the war, but... well, once he hears about it, we may not be able to stop him from joining anyway."
A nod from Cresiel, "By all means."
How are you contacting him?
My magical sending stone!
Go for it, go drop it in Tryll's thread.
Meanwhile, Moore gets his reply.
Go ahead and react to that if you're going to.
"He and his friends will be here soon. I wonder who his group is made of..." Moore muses.
"Isn't Dana with them?" Jetina asks, "She's, ah..."
"Profane," Cresiel shakes his head, "Of aasimar stock, yet determined to walk another path. She feels as if she cares only to walk her own path, no matter if it takes her high or if it takes her low."
"Not one for high culture, then?" Kaja chuckles, "Since you make it sound like she's not evil, so you mean profane as...?"
"Profane. Profanity," Jetina pipes up, "She curses a lot and always acts like she has something to prove. I think she's an actual princess from her home world and hates it."
"She's a good person." Moore says simply, with a grin.
Sorry for the delay, RLed.
Going to do anything but wait for a mission and/or Tryll?
Nope, all good here.
Lemme wait a bit for Tryll to catch up to you then, I'm 3 deep in combats so I'll focus on you this evening.
so noted
"How well do you know her, Moore?" Xandra asks, "Did you work with her much at Aurora?"
"I had limited exposure to her there." Moore says. "But, even with that in mind, we did work together a lot. She is very gruff, but she means well. I think she's still just going through her rebellious phase." He says with a bit of a laugh. "You know, the interesting thing, she uses psionic power... I wonder how she and Pistis Sophia would get along."
To this Xandra laughs. She shakes her head and finishes with a long breath out, "Aaaaah. I believe The Ascetic would out last her gruffness, but it may be a long battle."
"Long and brutal," Jetina murmurs, "Don't you think?"
"I think so." Moore agrees with another laugh. "Certainly something to look forward to."
"She's one who may be on a better path in 50 years," Cresiel agrees, "But it won't happen easily. Still, there's much to hope for with how she opposed Baator."
"Yes, anyone from Aurora deserves some amount of..." He pauses here to search for the right word. "Mm... Forgiveness, perhaps? It isn't quite the right word, but I think everyone who fought under that banner and continues to do so deserves... ah, benefit of the doubt. There we go." He nods, satisfied.
You get a sidelong look from Xandra. "Is that something that's regularly needed, Moore? What sort of Crusade were you all running?"
Jetina smiles at that but doesn't peak up.
Moore laughs. "Well, let me put it this way. The leadership managed to get both Tiamat and Bahamut to agree on something to punish them." A smile and shrug after that. "They're all good people, with good intentions, who brought together incredibly disparate views under one banner for a common goal. But yes, sometimes you'd have to forgive them a little bit, I think. Morniel really had his work cut out for him there -- I never realized it until later on, but he was probably sent there both to help them grow and to also grow himself."
"That's how it usually works," Cresiel says, "Morniel's doing well, the last I heard, even if he stays busy. Have you heard from any of the others?"
Jetina hums, "I know Jaela and family's still on Aurora. What about Afina? Is she still wandering Lifasa? I believe Tepen's still retired and Vul'lath's in the library."
"I think Afina's on her quest to beat Gathgorian. I imagine she'll find the secret to One eventually, doing that." He says. "I do talk to some of them when I go and visit. As far as I'm aware, everyone is doing well."
A smile after that. "I don't know if I told all of you or not, but... I did also manage to break through the anathemic knowledge problem I was having. I understand the... uh... methodology, I suppose you should say. So I had a nice conversation with Elena when I was there last."
"Good," Kaja says shortly, "What did you remember?"
"Assuming we remember this conversation in five minutes," Jetina adds.
"I had a conversation with Elena there sometime after Benfal rose." Moore explains. "The details of it... well, they're kind of personal, but I understand how Benfal rose into Elysium." He says.
"You'd probably not remember." Moore says. "The knowledge of it is incredibly secret and hidden... and for good reason, don't get me wrong." A smile after that. "You two probably know about it, don't you?" He turns to Xandra and Cresiel each in turn. "I don't think there's any harm with them hearing about it, even if they forget it."
"Go on," Xandra urges, even as Kaja is already looking rather blank-faced.
Moore clears his throat. "Cantasa Alexandria is a seraph who guards the Empyrean Gate."
Before he continues any further, he looks at the others. "Could you understand what I just said, first of all?"
Jetina's gaze is blank, empty. So is Kaja's. Xandra nods while Wood just gently rubs his head against your hand.
"So this is how Baleruk must've felt when he tried to tell me about what happened." Moore says with a smile. "I guess I'll just have to show them the book in Aurora sometime. Well, for those of you who can hear me, she had to open it — the Gate, I mean. The Empyrean Gate apparently guards and houses Good itself."
"I don't understand all the details," Xandra's voice is gentle now, "But Xerona is also a seraph and she guards the entrance to Chronias."
Moore nods with a smile. "Exactly. It's all related."
Xandra looks up at this, "Not as you think it is, I believe." Her gaze is skyward as Wood sits at your side. "But that seraph serve all of Good. To what ends I know not, but they are dreadfully mighty."
"Oh, no— not related quite like that. They are connected, but perhaps not related, if that makes sense." A smile after that. "One day, I hope to meet her, for all that the memory I have is still difficult to fully recall and look at."
"Do you begin to see why we all gaze upward rather than ahead? When you begin to see what lies ahead, so much of what we see here feels meaningless in comparison." Xandra asks, "Though one can lose sight of important things by looking into other important things."
Moore smiles. "Yes, I do. But looking too far in any direction means you can miss what's right in front of you." A laugh at that. "And no matter what, you can't just skip to the end."
At this the conversation dies down, a pause as...
I'm planning on bringing Yuth and friends over here soon. Do you have anything else to cover before that?
Nope.
It's barely much past that when there's another portal and...
Go ahead, Tryll.
...Calleigh zips through, followed closely by Tryll's misty-cloud-non-squid form and the others. "MOORE! HI MOORE!"
Tryll and his friends are greeted by the green grass and bright light of Celestia shining from above.
There is a large, stone wall going around in a circle in front of them, the walls themselves seem to glow with a soft, white light. Beyond the walls that rise up about 10 feet are several buildings made of a white stone with plenty of windows.
Around the outside are some makeshift tents as well as dozens of soldiers of varying types, Celestial and non among them.
Immediately in front of Tryll's group is a large archway flanked by two stone golems who part aside as Moore approaches them with a wave.
"Tryll, Calleigh." Moore greets them with a smile. He turns and nods to Dana. "It's good to see you again, Dana."
Dana takes a look around, rolling her neck before adding, "Well shi..." She looks up, looks away. With a scoff, "So...you're still alive. Didn't think some half rate devil would put you in the ground."
Benyen smiles and puts an arm around Dana's shoulders, "It's good to meet you. You're one of the Rule of Pixies, aren't you?"
Miranda brings up the rear, taking it all in.
"It's good to see you again," Cresiel goes to Dana, offering his hand.
Dana takes it, meeting his gaze, a quiet growl. "This your fault?"
"Chronias shines bright," Cresiel explains, "It calls those to it calls - especially those of heavenly blood, no matter how diluted."
"Whatever," Dana's voice is little more than an annoyed growl. "Thanks but no thanks, got too much stuff to do without worrying about paths and wringing my hands while staring at my navel."
"Well, staring at my navel is usually because I'm riding a wild wyvern as I stab it to death?" Benyen offers, "So it works for me."
As Benyen gets more than a few stares, Jetina comes over to Miranda and smiles. She leans in and whispers something, getting an amused look from the valkyrie.
"Dana, just be yourself. I appreciate your candor and the effort is noted, but you are free to be as you always are." Moore says with a smile. "I promise I haven't turned too much since we last worked together."
He turns to Benyen and Miranda and offers a bow. "It's good to meet you both. My name is Moore, Duke of Songs of Lifasa, Duke of Celestia and servant of Lord Erathaol of the Hebdomad. I bid you welcome to Hope's Landing. Please just call me Moore, the fancy titles are just an amusing point of introduction for me."
"Moore! Moore! MooreMooreMooreMoore! What's going on? Why are you living on Lunia? What's with the big ol arch? What's a Rule? Is it like a rule? Or a rule? Are you a ruler? Didja marry the queeny? Or like a ruler that measures things? Also I didn't know Celestia had dukes. That seems new. Wait! Waitwaitwait! Songs?" Calleigh is absolutely full of questions.
Kaja comes up, "Talkative," he notes shortly.
"Oh that? It's a rule that most pixies are normal and harmless, but there's a small contingent that are deadly warriors waiting to wreck havoc," Benyen says, "I don't know if it's true, but a friend of mine swore by it. Especially the time we crashed into a pixie village still covered in the blood of demon worshiping elves."
"Ohhhhhhh, STABBY pixies! Like Afina! Gotcha."
"I think I'm a bit unusual as fey go, though I don't know about bathing in blood." A grin to Kaja for a moment before he turns back.
"In order: I'm here on Lunia as part of my work for Celestia against Shar. I liked the idea of an archway to go in somewhere; it doesn't have the same magic powers as the one in Aurora, though.I have not married Her Majesty. Yes, Celestia has dukes, but they're usually just titles and not anything more than that. Queen Titania was kind enough to grant me the title of Duke of Songs after Lifasa liberation — it seems right for me to keep using it."
A clear of his throat to catch his breath. "I apologize this is our first time meeting, I've just been very busy with the war and everything else."
"Yeah, I've been busy," Dana pipes up here, "Mind telling me what the fuck's going on in fucking Fire?"
Miranda leans in and murmurs something to Jetina, who smiles and adds loudly enough to hear, "It is something to watch."
"Afina?" Benyen rubs his jaw, "From what I've heard I'd prefer Jaela, Moonlight or maybe Hanna. Well, besides Dana." That's quickly added by Benyen, giving her a squeeze and a sidelong look.
"Yes, I'll give you the short version: There's a push to abolish slavery in the outer planes; The Grand Sultan disagrees, and it's risen to war. As we speak, Imix is attacking Zamaan Rul's realm. There are those intervening on his behalf." He says. "I'll do my best to answer any follow ups you might have from that."
"Oh yeah, the Shar thing. We've been working on that too! Sorta! Yeah! So what's up? Need help? Also slaves are bad. We found some on Ice! Dwarves working for a lich incide a big ice glacier thing!"
"Lots of them," Cresiel frowns at that.
"That's all a bunch of Fire affairs," Miranda speaks up, "What other realms are involved?"
"I don't want you all to feel obligated to join in the war." Moore says. "I also know I can't stop you if you decide to participate!" He says with a laugh. To Miranda's question, he adds; "Right now, Celestia, and The Cauldron are the primary forces, with the efreet, Imix and dao as well as Hell making moves. There are other players as well, I imagine it's a matter of time before Sylica joins as well."
He pauses here. "I invited you all here to primarily make sure you were all informed about everything. I assume you've met our mutual dragon friend?"
"Big guy, lots of teeth, seems calm for a dragon? Yep."
Moore nods. "Good. By all means, if you all need anything or any help, you're always welcome here." He says.
"That's awful welcoming," Benyan says, "Thanks!"
Miranda meanwhile smiles at something Jetina adds, before saying aloud, "At the moment, we are at loose ends after finishing a quest for Sune."
'Actually, we have several things we could be doing or investigating, but none of them are immediately pressing.' Tryll states, speaking to the group for the first time.
"Sooooo..." Dana draws out, "Do you all just sit on the beach here, all day, every day?"
"Oh, no, not at all. We killed an Elder Vampire earlier today. I also got myself cursed by Orcus recently, but that got fixed when I had the World Serpent poison me to death. Long story." He gestures offhandedly.
"A lot of what we do is problem solving and investigation. Oh!" Moore reaches into his bag and produces a crystal. "I've been meaning to give this to you since it's of no use to me."
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,104121.msg1112225.html#msg1112225
He's referring to the Mind Reserve
Calleigh takes the crystal, "Oh hey what whoa! It's a brain thingy!"
'What would convince you to undertake something that would cause you to be cursed directly by Orcus?' Tryll asks.
Calleigh examines the crystal.
Moore takes in a deep breath. "I'm trying to find Sylvie. My journey so far is leading me to find pieces of research to finish something that her son has created diagrams for. Some of that knowledge led us to Foggard, which is a library in the Deep Ethereal. Unfortunately, when we arrived, Cryonax and Orcus had sent forces there for some reason. We walked into a battle between Lixers forces and theirs. Unfortunately, during our retreat, I caught the attention of Orcus' avatar. It... wasn't a great day." He laments.
"That's something I ask myself too," Xandra admits, and with a faint smile, "Circumstances conspired against us."
For Tryll:
Mind Reserve
This curious crystal can be broken in half. If broken in half by a non psionic character, they gain no benefit. If broken by a psionic character, they gain 2 power points permanently.
I saw it.
'...you didn't attack Orcus' forces, did you?'
Calleigh starts to gnaw on the crystal.
Moore clears his throat. "They attacked us, and it was before we knew Orcus had shown up."
"Things went wrong," Cresiel speaks up here, "We were ultimately involved in a battle between Orcus and Lixer."
Here Kaja's teeth clench together, "Bastards, both of them. Orcus in particular. That...that...thing."
"They'll be dealt with eventually." Moore says with a smile.
'An unfortunate happenstance, then. Glad you're alright. Also did you try a sending to Sylvie?'
As this happens, a portal appears.
'A refuge of Ilmater on Ooze is under attack. Protect the clergy there, none of them are strong in battle.'
"LET'S GET oh wait it's Ooze. Yuck." Calleigh turns into a ball of light.
"I did. Ah, if you'll excuse me a moment, we've been called to Ooze to defend something. Ugh, I hate Ooze." Moore laments. "If you'll give me a few minutes to deal with this, we will return." He says.
'Haha no we're helping.'
"Well then." Moore says as he goes through!!
"That's also a lot for this mission," Cresiel speaks up, "Perhaps only some of us should go?"
"Isn't that the fun of it?" Moore asks. "It's fine, you all stay — Jetina, why don't you come in case of an emergency? Tryll, pick whoever your favorite is who gets a trip to Ooze." With that, Moore goes through!
'Last person to raise their hand goes to Ooze!'
Benyen and Dana raise their hands lightining fast.
"By all the blood and battle," Miranda makes a face, but goes to follow.
So Moore, Tryll (+Calleigh), Miranda and Jetina?
Looks like it!
It's the smell. The smell is instantly overwhelming, overpowering before you can even look about.
A dry cathedral. A simple, small building. A few old wooden pews, an altar well kept is weathered and lots of simple straw mats for the sick to rest on. A dozen rest here, humanoids of various sorts, wounded or asleep. Great wooden doors lead behind this chamber, barred by visibly straining. The acolytes here are seeing to the wounded, working without hesitation.
Fort all. Sickening/nausea sorta thing, so if immune say so.
Moore is immune because of his Fresh Air necklace.
I think Jetina is too but let me roll until I can verify.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+40 : 1 + 40, total 41[/blockquote] mettle
Tryll and Calleigh are incorporeal and don't need to breathe.
Oh yeah Jetina doesn't have to breathe.
Sorry about the delay Moore, stomach and I had a go around.
The scent is terrible but you all withstand it, not needing to breathe.
Go ahead.
"Okay where to!?" Calleigh asks.
"Jetina, why don't you go help them out? We can deal with whatever monsters decide to attack us." Moore says.
If there's a door out the front or what have you, let's use that. I'm not clear on the "visibly straining" doors though behind, if it seems like something is attacking from there then we'd go that way.
Thus the three of you go to the doors. They are indeed bulging inward, as if a force is pressing against them, almost breaking them.
"So, I have a sinking suspicion there's just going to be awful ooze on the other side of this." Moore says. "Shall we just rip the bandages off and deal with it?"
Miranda steps well back, bow and arrow readied, "Tryll, you can keep any ooze overflow outside, can't you?"
'Most likely. I was just going to have Calleigh remove the doors and blast the area first.'
"By all means, I consider you all the guests here." Moore says as he flies back himself and makes a 'go for it' gesture.
Tryll chambers a celestial conduit. 'Calleigh, if you would.'
"Yep!" Calleigh chirps, pointing the crystal she got from Moore at the doors.
Time Hop on the doors, they vanish out of time for 33 rounds or until dispelled
Tryll immediately fills the doorway with terrible light via a tiny portal straight to the heart of the Positive Energy Plane!
Twinned Empowered Maximized Celestial Conduit
648 damage to everything in the doorway and 120 feet behind it.
Line effect.
Reflex DC 42 halves
Undead take an extra 72 damage each.
Gimme a quick init check, Tryll? You'll probably beat it in init and go first, but it's not quite a slam dunk.
You get +15 to your check!
I argue this should be a surprise round. No way were they expecting the door to just stop being there.
Look, just roll the init. If you win it this becomes moot. If you manage to flub it we'll come back to that.
[blockquote]Rolled 20d20+24 : 11, 3, 17, 7, 18, 12, 17, 6, 10, 20, 7, 9, 15, 6, 11, 16, 5, 13, 5, 8 + 24, total 240[/blockquote]
That...does not look like initiative.
Too many d20s. Oops. There's a 20 in there though. I'll take it. Surprise round. Faces melted.
Okay, in that case first roll is the one we go with - which is sufficient regardless. Okay.
> roll 1d20+16
<Penuche> Space_Cat invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=7]
Also, since time magic's a no-no in setting and I know this power's come up before, what did we agree on for how it works? Purely academic here since it doesn't matter, nothing's interdicting.
You catch sight of a green ooze of some kind, filthy - and nothing more. Whatever it was, it's utterly obliterated by the blast, leaving behind a pocket of air before the great, oozy mess beyond can be seen.
You never mentioned you had an issue with it. Bring on the maruts.
"Weird, it was an ooze on ooze." Moore says blandly. "Great job, Tryll, I always forget you can do that."
'And that's that.' Tryll says, throwing up a wall of ectoplasm in place of the doors until they came back. 'Everyone forgets I can do that until they see the light.'
I know we had a conversation about it, I'll see if I can dig it up later. Suffice to say time magic = no in the setting due to setting reasons. Power can still exist, the flavoring of it just changes.
As everyone there stares at what happened," Tryll is exceptionally deadly with that," Miranda agrees, "Explosively."
"EXPLOSIONS!" Calleigh enthuses.
'Sort of. You know how positive energy is good for you until it isn't? It's like that, only all at once.'
"Too much of a good thing." Moore says with a nod. He looks out towards the ectoplasm to see if he can spot anything else coming in the short term.
Miranda shiveres at that. "I've seen that happen."
Perception, Moore.
Take 10 for 67.
You can see some odd haziness out in the muck, looking wrong. Dark and wrong, like spots of black haze.
"Hey, Tryll?" Moore asks him, then he points and gestures in that direction. "I think we may have something else to drive off today."
'Hmm? See something out there?' Tryll also manifests True Seeing!
"It's kind of like... dark clouds, almost?" Moore says.
Tryll is looking! Is he seeing?
Perception.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+50 : 15 + 50, total 65[/blockquote]
Tryll sees the same thing as Moore..
"Yep those're deffo some dark clouders." Calleigh says, not really paying attention to what's going on outside. She holds the gem up to Moore's face, "How's this thingy work?"
"You break it in half and it gives you extra psionic power if you have some psionic power to begin with. If you don't have any, it apparently doesn't do anything." Moore says. He watches the dark motes to see if they do anything or just stay where they are.
They linger a few more moments, before beginning to fade back and more and more out of sight, hidden by the muck of Ooze.
"Ohhh, like this?" Calleigh cracks the stone in two.
Congratulations, Calleigh gains 2 power points. Go make a note of using it in loot for recordkeeping, would you?
Mist and power surrounds Calleigh, leaving her feeling stronger and more mentally aware after.
Moore smiles. "You have the right of it. Did it work?"
"Yep! I can do more stuff! A little, anyway. It helps! Probably!"
Meanwhile, one of Ilmater's servants come - an old man, using a cane to walk, "Sirs...sirs..." he bows, "My many thanks to you and thanks to the Broken One for this."
"Good." Moore nods. "I'm glad it finally went to a good home."
He turns to the old man and offers a smile. "You're welcome. Does this place need to be reinforced structurally before we leave?"
"I believe we're well," The old man says, "Thank you all so much, may the Broken One protect you."
Moore nods and reports the success to Barachiel in case they're needed elsewhere!
In answer a portal appears, back to take you whence you came.
Through he goes!
Thus all of you return. Kaja's there, chatting lightly with Benyen. As they look over, it's nonetheless Xandra who calls, "Welcome back? Do you have victory?"
"The threats were summarily dealt with." Moore affirms.
"We made the door go VANISH and then we were like WHAM and the thing trying to get in was all WHUT but then it DIED in REAL SCARY LIGHT!" Calleigh crows.
"She has the right of it." Moore agrees with a nod.
Kaja grins, "It sounds like it went right."
"Yeah," Dana seconds, "You took care of your problems. Better than fumbling around."
"We've been doing small missions like this today." Moore explains. "With the war on Fire going on, it seems like a lot of our forces are occupied."
"In other words, we've been made into problem solvers," Cresiel says, "They are all problems worth solving."
"Yeah?" Benyen says, "You mentioned the vampire. That was a good one. That's a great story, especially the part where you got him good."
"I doubt Kaja wants to relive it." Moore admits. He turns to Cresiel. "We should probably apologize to Vel Custos is person for giving him such a troublemaker. I mean that mostly as a joke, but I know Vel Custos won't consider it a burden."
A chuckle after that. "But you all have been busy too, right? How'd you get tied up with Sune, anyway?"
"Oh, Tryll should tell that one," Miranda smiles, "It's a good story."
Kaja grins at that, "Tied up Sune? Men would give everything to have that happen to them."
At that Jetina giggles, "Well, you could marry Villisa and settle for tying-"
Cresiel clears his throat. Loudly.
"Sorry," Jetina clears her own throat. "I got lost in the moment."
Moore just beams at Cresiel before he starts to laugh.
Amid the general laughter, Benyen cocks his head aside, "Why is that funny?"
Chuckling over it, Xandra explains, "Villisa is Cresiel's mother."
"Ooooooooh," Benyen says, slowly.
"You know, I think she's around training some soldiers..." Moore says as he straightens up to look over towards some of the fields around them.
For giggles, give me Perception.
Take 10 for 67.
Sure enough, Villisa is at work a goodly ways away, doing exactly that. You could wave if you want, she's looking in your general direction.
"Well, she's over there." Moore says with a gesture in her direction. "If you wanted to ask her illicit questions about Cresiel's childhood. Of course, then he may have to eject you from Mount Celestia."
Cresiel turns, giving Benyen a stare. A long stare.
Benyen smiles, "Nah. Got all the woman I need here," he says, putting an arm around Dana.
"You're damn right," she says proudly, glancing at Villisa.
Moore snorts into his hand. "So, out of curiosity, where do you all call your home? I have this fortress, but where do you all go?"
Tryll starts, 'We're currently staying at Miranda's home on Ysgard until we-'
"Until we can find a big crystal thingy or something and turn it into another Aurororora thing and make our OWN FLYING DEMIPLANE and it's gonna have skulls that SHOOT RAINBOW FIRE AT DEVILS and also it'll make Shar cry! I'm not sure how, but we'll make it happen!" Calleigh finishes.
"A big...?" Jetina says, "Could you explain that, Tryll?"
'I cannot.'
"If I might make a suggestion?" Moore says. "You are already seen in rather high esteem by the Triune, after your ascension to paragon. Why not have them supply you with a place? They might even have some way of supplying a demiplane of some nature."
'I don't know about making Shar cry or rainbow fire skulls, but I'd originally set out to make a clone of the Aurora. The planes could always use another multi-dimensional flying fortress of awesome.'
"I'm not sure I understand it, either," Miranda says, wryly.
"It sounds useful. A flying crystal fortress?" Kaja muses, "A valuable type of crystal or gemstone?"
'We'd need to find a deep crystal large enough to house self-supporting psionic matrices. Stuff enough power into it and it'll start to think for itself.'
"EXPERIMENTS!" Calleigh cheers.
Xandra hums at that, "Interesting. What sort of psionic mind is it?"
Meanwhile Dana says, "Wait, what's that shit about the Triune?"
"Hm..." Moore taps his chin. "Well, I know when I visited Mineral once, they had stones there that were effectively harmonizing music. Crystalle might be able to point you in the direction of some sort of psionic material like that." He says. "Other than that... mm, I don't know if you could find the material itself in Celestia, but I bet a wander around the mountain would get you pointed in the direction of what you're looking for too."
He blinks and then looks at Dana. "Oh, back when we were on Aurora, I helped Tryll become a paragon. All three of us -- Tryll, Calleigh and myself, ended up being blessed by them because of it." He explains, as if it was totally normal for this to have happened.
'Wait, which Triune?'
To Xandra, 'I have no idea, and that is the exciting part. It could be any kind of mind. Kind, cruel, playful, completely mad, who knows?'
"...The one that made you a paragon. Have you gone senile in your old age?" Moore asks.
'The Triune god of the irrigo?' Tryll asks. 'You do know it's not the same as the modern Triune, right?'
"Well, which one made you a paragon?" He counters. "Just ask that one for help."
'Also no. I can't go senile. I'm technically already dead. I happen to make two million look very good, thank you. And I 've tried. I was as shocked as anyone when the Triune God actually contacted us in the ritual. The last I heard from them, they were destroying my home plane. Over two million years ago.'
"I'm confused," Kaja says, "So there's an old Triune that destroyed your world?" He bares his teeth, "Why?!"
Meanwhile Xandra listens, bowing her head in thought.
"Well, maybe you should try the other one and see if they're willing to help." Moore says. "But, failing that, I know Celestia isn't exactly the most chaotic place, but as a friend of mine, I can assure you that you'd find what you're looking for if you look for it here."
He turns to Dana at that. "And you wouldn't have to avoid being a potty-mouth, either."
'Long story. Aboleth invasion we weren't created with the capacity to repel. Our god chose to destroy the plane and ascend most of us in order to eradicate millions of aboleths in an unprecedented and as-yet-unmatched genocidal rage. Five of us refused the offer of ascension. Bodies died, here we are.' Tryll summarizes. 'There's a LOT of detail not in there. It was the right decision, though.'
"Asking Dana not to swear is like asking a fish to learn how to ride a bicycle. You need the right application of peanut butter to make it work!" Calleigh is helping.
'You know.' Tryll says. 'Maybe I haven't been asking the right people. You're right, Moore. Technically, Calleigh and I work for Queen Morwell. I've never asked her for anything, though. It's worth a shot.'
Xandra's quiet throughout, seemingly lost in her own thoughts.
"Yet you exist as you are," Cresiel says, "I understand."
"Yeah, it works for him, being all ghost squid. Why the fuck squids I don't know," Dana says, "Like mind squids everywhere."
"I could see you with a weird dream house." Moore says with a nod.
'I am a creature of will. All five of us are. My soul is held in place because I will it to be so. More precarious than you'd think, but a strong will lends itself well to psionics!' Tryll says to Cresiel.
"Aw Dana, don't start! I know you love the lil squidbaby blasphemies against the natural order of things that Gytha made!" Calleigh says to Dana.
'Less dream house and more giant crystalline brain.' Tryll replies to Moore.
"...blasphemies?" Xandra asks quietly, bright gaze on Tryll, radiant.
Cresiel's gaze is steady, "Clarify," he suggests, to the point.
'Gytha figured out how to create souls whole-cloth, from nothing. Much like gods can do to create their servants. We've been using this to re-create what was lost. Lifasa's oceans are the rebirthplace of the irrigo race.'
"Ohhhh, rebirthplace! I like that one. We should write that down." Calleigh says with a nod.
'That's a good idea.'
"Course it is! I thought of it!"
'Don't get cocky.'
"I am not a chicken! I don't even have feathers! Wait, should I get feathers?" Calleigh turns to Miranda, "Would I look good with feathers? Birds are made of feathers! They make lots of colorful birds!"
'Anyway, it's only technically blasphemous. We're under divine mandate.'
"Colorssssssssss." Calleigh has lost focus on the conversation.
"How are the rest of the irrigo doing?" Moore asks, deciding to try and change the subject.
"There's no such thing as technical blasphemy. It is or it isn't," Jetina says, then glances at Cresiel. "Right?"
To this Cresiel considers a moment, but shakes his head, "To be tasked to restore a lost race is no trivial matter. If he is working with the sponsorship and permission of a righteous deity, I see no blasphemy or harm in it."
'The kids are great. Adorable baby psychic squids. Even Dana likes them.' Tryll turns to Jetina, 'You'd think that, but here we are. Technically blasphemous in that no mortal is supposed to be able to do this, but we're only sort of mortal and we have divine sponsorship.'
"Did you ever find the other... two, right? The other two original irrigo?" He asks.
'Only one is still missing. He's in the Beastlands, last I checked. Being stubborn. We'll root him out.'
Moore nods. "Well, if you need any help with anything, by all means, feel free to contact me anytime." He takes a breath. "I wonder how the battle is going."
'Which battle?'
At this Moore hears the words of Barachiel again.
'A sacred grail has been stolen on Mechanus. Go there and attempt to find it before it is lost.'
A portal appears, swirling.
Moore's about to explain, before the portal opens!
"Kaja, you're with me." Moore says. "Anyone who's good at tracking, please follow me."
He goes through at that point!
"I can," Miranda seconds, following. "Tryll, Calleigh, are you coming?"
Do you mean Miranda?
Yes, I will edit. Funny story, I misclicked on Alyssa's character sheets first - I have a list of links and just grabbed the wrong one. So I had Ianvasah in my head.
Tryll stares at the portal a moment, 'Is it always like this? Constantly reacting to things that happen? Do they deploy you like this often?'
"No, it's because of the fight with Imix and Zamaan Rul on Fire." Moore says.
'That doesn't make any sense either, Moore.' Tryll heads through the portal, Calleigh making her way loopily after him.
So Moore, Tryll, Calleigh, Kaja and Miranda?
Yes.
"Our forces are spread thin because of the various places being attacked." Moore adds.
You appear on a gear.
A vast gear, one of many gears in a starry sky. An endless ocean of stars, sky and gears. The gears range from as small as houses to as large as continents, a vast array in all directions. You are on a smaller gear largely dominated by a crystal clear lake, rocky ground and a large, beautiful Helmite cathedral to you. At least Helmite based on the iconography you can see.
'I see. So you need someone to strike where they least expect it. They have you on the ropes, reacting. Consider being proactive. In fact, I know a team rather good at putting powerful people on the back foot.' Tryll says.
"Blech! Mechanus! Don't like it here!" Calleigh complains.
"It's unpleasant," Miranda agrees, the clicking and smooth movement of the gears forming a background chorus of noise. "What is that sound? The sound of metal moving and...clicking? It's giving me a headache."
Moore will cast Hindsight! I'm not sure if this particular object will be able to be seen even if the person holding it was warded, but let's see!
'It's Law.'
Alas, whatever it is, it's warded or they didn't come this way somehow.
Moore will cast Vision of the Omniscient Eye and then take a look around for any signs of anything that may have passed through here -- as well as take an eye for magical auras!
Taking 10 for 77 on Perception and 67 on Spellcraft in case there's anything in the area that he can see, or any lingering magical auras or anything like that.
> roll 1d20+43 Miranda survival
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=12]
Being a cathedral there's plenty of tracks - but you and Miranda both seem to hone in on one set. They're bigger for lack of a word, some sort of four legged beast of burden. A big one, bigger than a warhorse by a good measure.
"You see it too, huh?" Moore asks Miranda. "This way." He gestures to the others as they follow along!
"I do," Miranda says, "Quite a curious-"
"Please halt." The voice is smooth and masculine, commanding in its way. The doors of the cathedral have opened and from it comes a man of gears and gold. Taller than Hanna, he is whirling gears and moving metal. An Inevitable, one of the residents of Mechanus. This one wears wine red robes and walks with a steady, swift step.
"There is currently a criminal investigation ongoing," he continues, "About a reported theft of a grail belonging to the Helmite faith here. I'd like to ask you a few questions about this."
"My name is Duke Moore of Celestia." Moore introduces himself. "I am here at the request of Lord Barachiel for the same reason. I would ask that you allow us to do our investigation so as to not give the perpetrators any time to get away. Any time spent answering your questions may allow them to escape us."
"Ah, a diplomatic mission," Immediately the Inevitable replies, "Unfortunately, the regulations require that this is not done unsupervised."
"Well TICK TOCK clockboy, we've got lots of work to do and not enough clocks to fit it all in!" Calleigh is clearly annoyed. "I can just FEEL the RULES in this place! It's super gross."
'Moore, do you know what the object looks like? Can you describe it?'
"A grail is all I know." Moore answers Tryll.
To Inevitable, "Then in the interests of expedience, I would ask you accompany us but not interfere with our investigation unless we are in violation of a law related to a crime."
With a smile, "I am Sixtus VIII. I believe you lack discipline, young courre. Be attentive and you can learn it here. But regardless, I accept your invitation, Duke."
With a gesture and a murmured word, an image appears before all of you. It is of a plain grail, undecorated and simple wood. There are a few stains on it - bloodstains, you think. "This is it," he says, "Nameless as far as I know, simply known as the grail by the congregants here. My understanding is that a mortal saint death consecrated the grail with sacred powers."
Moore offers a polite nod. "Then, Sixtus VIII, we are following these tracks here." Moore gestures to them and, assuming no one else stops them, will start to follow them with Miranda's help!
Do you have the Track feat, Moore?
I do not.
Okay, Miranda needs a Survival check. Going to pixie her at all?
Sure, He will give her an Inspire Competence for +8 to skill checks for 11m.
> roll 1d20+51 Miranda survival
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 65 > [d20=14]
Miranda begins to follow along the gear, "Whatever it is should be notable," she says slowly, leading the way. "I also believe the footprints are that of a small elephant, probably one trained as a beast of war or a beast of burden."
"What's more interesting is that if this is it, they haven't teleported away or gone to another plane," Kaja interjects, keeping his eyes roaming. "With this being an Outer Plane, I doubt they were incapable, so I smell a trap for pursuers."
"Good," Miranda doesn't even slow down as she talks, gaze on the trail, "A trap means a battle, a victory, treasure and interrogations of the fools left to oppose us."
Kaja's smile shows all his sharp teeth, patting Miranda on her back.
"That may be so, but remember that according to the laws of Mechanus, they are afforded a chance to surrender and be protected by the laws of war, then having their crimes adjudicated and sentence passed." Sixtus adds.
Miranda used the DC 60 epic skill usage to identify the creature she was tracking.
"Blah blah blah let's find an elephant. It sounds like something that would stand out in Geartown here." Calleigh says.
"Unless it's magically disguised." Moore says. "An illusion would hide it but not the tracks."
"Actually," Sixtus interjects, "This is known as Gear 59,239,830,310, or informally as 'Helm's Station'."
"Fascinating," Miranda murmurs dryly, all while leading on to the edge of the gear. Here this gear connects to another, this one a land of sand and wind - yet none of the windblown sand leaves the gear, forming large dunes around the edge.
"I can already see the tracks this way," Miranda says, "Moore, could you try Hindsight again, in case the cathedral was warded and not the thief, or to ensure if we don't have a case of mistaken identity?"
Moore nods and tries Hindsight!
No sign of an elephant or anything that obviously makes those tracks. They just appear.
"It's still warded. I honestly wonder what this could be." A shake of his head after that. "Lead on."
"If it's enemy action," Kaja reasons aloud, "Oddness and time sinks may be a feature for them, not a failing."
Give me Perception, Moore'n'Tryll?
Take 10 for 77
I'll take 10 for 60.
Both of you notice a faint shimmering where the gears meet, like certain abjurations lightly brushing against each other.
Take 10 for 68 on spellcraft!
A ward has been laid down between these gears, to disorient and confuse any who cross.
"Sixtus, are you able to remove this magic? I think it was laid by our thief." Moore says as he gestures to where the magic is.
Sixtus comes forward and sniffs the air, "You're right," he says, a metallic rasp as he sniffs. "This sort of barrier is completely illegal by a visitor or common citizen. It's my duty to remove it immediately."
Moore will let him do his duty— they'll lose time waiting, but being dazed or disoriented won't be any good at all.
Arcane words are uttered and abruptly...
> roll 1d20+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=17]
A flare as the ward becomes visible a moment and then breaks apart. "Ah good, I'll be sure that they're charged with illegal gear warding as well as theft." Sixtus says.
Kaja is already going, following Miranda as, "The trail continues on the sands," she says, "Don't fly, especially if you use wings. The wind kicked up from it could make the trail harder to follow."
Moore nods. Walking it is!
"Still, though... why haven't they just teleported with it?" Moore asks. "Maybe it can't be dimensionally moved..."
"I still think that's intentional," Kaja says, "To keep any response busy and away from anything else."
"We are very good at springing and overwhelming traps." Moore says with a smile.
"So are we," Miranda says, "Enough arrows overwhelm even the most dedicated trap."
Moore nods and will continue to walk!
'I'm going to try something. It'll take a minute, if you don't mind.' Tryll floats with the group as he's not physically capable of walking.
Miranda pauses at that, "Go ahead," she offers, pausing her steps.
Tryll Manifests a power, picking apart the very fundamentals of the plane. Calleigh takes the opportunity to climb onto Miranda's shoulder!
Examine Astral Reverberations
Seeking the stolen chalice sacred to Helm, taken from its housing on the 59,239,830,310th Gear of Mechanus.
Points spent: 17+10+5 for full effect of power.
Will DC 40
Opposed CL check vs. any Mind Blank (or similar effect) cast: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 19 + 35, total 54[/blockquote]
Examine Astral Reverberations
Clairsentience
Level: Psion/wilder 9
Display: Mental and visual
Manifesting Time: 1 minute
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instantaneous
Power Points: 17
This power taps information stored in the astral, such as a creature's movements or location, if that creature or object fails a Will save. This power shows the movements of said creature and all of their actions taken within the last week, as well as who and what they interacted with.
This power does not work on any plane that is not connected in some way to the astral plane. This power only functions on creatures and objects with an astral presence; a mind. Inert, non-magical objects such as walls or non-thinking creatures such as non-intelligent oozes and mindless undead are invisible to this power.
Augment
If an additional 5 power points are spent, the power also attempts to postulate a likely future outcome. This provides a benefit similar to that of a divination, but less cryptic. Any information conveyed would concern one single action or possible action regarding that creature, and the question must be phrased to outline the direction for the power to take. Information conveyed can be contained in no more than one single sentence.
If an additional 10 power points are spent, the manifestor may make an opposed caster level check to reveal information about a target that has or had an active mind blank spell.
For every 2 power points spent in either of the above augmentations, the power's DC increases by 1.
It can't beat that check.
You can see the grail heading on the back of what looks to be a small elephant with green eyes, marching ahead and onwards, past this gear and another, towards a gear full of stone towers and within one of those towers therein.
'A gear with stone towers. An elephant with green eyes, headed for a specific tower. I'll know it when I see it. Ideas on that gear's location?'
"As a matter of fact, I do. Excellent," Sixtus says, "Shall I take us over there?"
'Please.'
A mere gesture and you are all elsewhere - atop a tower in a city of towers, the music of the gears louder here. Towers that rise dozens of stories, towers of stone and stay upright in defiance of all logic. From here you can see it is some sort of intricate pattern, the towers making what looks to be a rune or symbol of some kind.
'These look familiar. Let me see if I can retrace the path I saw.'
Moore nods. "Remind me to try and find a way to replicate that power you used as magic, Tryll!"
This leads Tryll to one particular tower, unremarkable as any of them. Inevitables walk the streets, barely even glancing at the party once they see Sixtus.
Moore takes a look around. "Sixtus, is there anything notable about this tower you're aware of?"
'It's psionics. Don't fret if you can't. Psionics and magic are not always interchangeable. Different rules. Psionics can't do as many things as magic can, but it's often better than magic at what it can do.'
"You know that's just a challenge I'll have to overcome." Moore says with a beam.
'Best of luck to you. Psionics work differently than magic. With magic, it's all about your access power. Your spell's power is strengthened by your natural strength, growing in a linear manner until the spell's structure ends the growth. Few spells do not have some sort of cap on their growth.
Psionics is often different. Many powers are comparatively weak, but a psion can consciously invest more power into them, causing them to enhance and augment, behaving in new and unexpected ways. For example, that power functions similarily to a divination in its base form, but the functionality is completely different.
Instead, it examines the astral links of the plane and analyzes the minute reverberations caused by my target in order to determine their location and actions. With the right application of power, it can even ignore spells like Mind Blank and other supernatural abilities that have a similar effect. It's comparable to a ninth circle spell, but a similar spell that accomplished such an effect would be well beyond ninth circle.'
'The general rule of thumb is that magic is much more versatile than psionics, but psionics does what it does better than magic.'
"I'll let you know if I can come up with something comparable." Moore says with a smile. "But I understand what you mean."
'I'd encourage you to pursue psionics directly, if you can.' Tryll adds, heading inside.
"Well, I did learn a very small bit from that ritual." Moore says.
'Good place to start, then.'
Sixtus clears his throat with a mechanical rattle, "Ahem! No, nothing's unusual about this tower from the outside, it's to all regulations and building codes for this gear."
Then Moore attempts to go inside!
The front door into it is locked.
"Similar to our last little adventure," Kaja murmurs, "Towers are popular today."
Moore turns to Sixtus rather expectantly.
Sixtus steps forward and withdraws an iron key. Tiny gears turn within the head of the key. He pushes it against the door and it unlocks audibly.
"We are not, however, legally obligated to announce our arrival," he says, "As any criminal must know to expect us to arrest them for their violations of the law."
Moore will now enter!!
You open the door - only for screaming, rippling force to slam into you.
Fort.
mettle[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+45 : 20 + 45, total 65[/blockquote]
Whatever the blast is, Moore withstands it through pure grit, floating there untouched afterwards.
Moore will look around for any sign of anything!
Perception.
10 for 77
Ahead is a simple enough entry room. Rather small and perfectly square, neat rows of hooks for cloaks and the like - a few hang - and other such things. It's also not big enough for an elephant to pass through.
Moore looks for signs anything came through recently, like sand on the ground!
There's a bit of sand on the ground - something Miranda points to.
Took 10.
"There," she says, "We're in the right place. Sand."
Moore follows after it!
Waiting for Yuth here and then we'll proceed.
'Moore...check for traps first.' Tryll says, activating Detect Psionics and following after.
His keen eyes and magical senses should alert him to such things!
Take 10 for 68 on spellcraft. Moore has True seeing.
No magic or traps in this room that you detect, at least. Just a door ahead, unremarkable.
'A moment.' Tryll dodges around the door, going through the wall instead and peeking into the next room.
"That's handy." Moore says as he waits on the other side.
The next room is a oerfectly arraigned entryway, an entry hall of sorts. Yet no one is here, but behind the door into this room you can notice a shimmering mass of green liquid hovering, waiting to fall.
Tryll pops that mass with a disintegrate!
Touch[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+29 : 6 + 29, total 35[/blockquote]
The green liquid is gone, just like that.
'It's safe now.' Tryll tells the rest of the group.
Moore will open the door to proceed!
Inside is the hall seen. Miranda follows the sand, leading to a door in the corner. "This way."
Tryll will also check this door as well!
Moore will wait!
Behind it is a hallway that curves along the curve of the tower. No visible traps here.
'Safe.'
"Good," Kaja calls, "No traps then? My blades are getting itchy."
Moore proceeds!
'Not on this door anyway.'
Ahead is the hallway. At the end is another door - peeking through, Tryll can see it leads to a stairway going up. However...
"The sand trail stops before the next door," Miranda says, stopping about 2/3rds of the way there.
Tryll investigates!
How so?
Yanno, checking for hidden passages, search checks, phasing through walls, manifesting Trace Teleport, etc.
Cool, just needed the details.
Checking about, there's a secret passage on the interior wall, leading to a stairway going down.
'Secret passage.' Tryll says, disintegrating the false wall.
d20, obligatory.
A scowl from Sixtus, "That's an unauthorized building modification," he says, "They're guilty of another crime!"
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
'Alas, criminals gonna criminal.'
Sure enough, there's a stairway behind the wall.
"Criminals," Kaja snorts, "Crime does lead to foolishness. After all, most sins relate back to theft."
"That's..." Miranda says, "Something a gold dragon would say," she finally settles on.
"Dragons! We should talk to Baleruk one of these days, see if he wants in on this." Calleigh says as she flies down the passage.
Moore follows along. "This is all... I don't know. This seems way too elaborate."
"I tell you, they're wasting our time," Kaja growls as you go down the stairs.
Miranda leads you along, which leads down and down. A basement where...there's nothing. A dead end. Just a small storage room, not a thing in it.
"Huh." Moore says as he glances around.
"It ends here," Miranda says, "Anything? Tryll?"
Moore tries Hindsight, though he doubts it will work!
Indeed, you don't see anything interesting. It's just an empty room.
Tryll checks everything again.
Nothing. As far as you can tell, it's a dead end.
"It is possible they just didn't come this way?" Moore asks. "I don't know... maybe when we go upstairs they'll try and jump us?"
"The trail ended, but I suppose they may have just shaken the last of the sand out, but the timing and position of this passage..." Miranda trails off, "I don't like it."
"Tryll, would you mind scouting upstairs for us?" He asks. "I really don't think whatever they have here is an actual threat to us, but it doesn't hurt to be careful."
'Of course.' Tryll says, ckecking all the walls on the way back.
Gimme Perception, Tryll.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+50 : 11 + 50, total 61[/blockquote]
The rest of the tower is empty - not a soul in it or any sign of a grail that you can find as you fly around. It's just empty by and large.
No magical traces, teleports, gates, magical residue, things revealed by true seeing?
Gimme Spellcraft.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+53 : 7 + 53, total 60[/blockquote]
You find lingering magic on the fourth floor - a plane shift spell.
'Plane shift from the fourth floor.' Tryll says, heading to the site to examine it.
"So they stole the grail, walked... across a desert, came to this tower and then... plane shifted?" Moore asks aloud. "None of this makes any sense. Let's meet up with Tryll and see if we can determine where they went. We may still be able to find them." Moore says.
"It makes no logical sense if viewed from our point of view. Therefore, they are either chaotic or in possession of facts and motive we are not in possession of," Sixtus says crisply.
Meanwhile, it takes a bit of doing, but getting up to where Tryll is happens without incident.
"Right, exactly." Moore agrees as they go.
Assuming Hindsight doesn't tell him anything, he'll examine the lingering magic!
Moore will take 10 on Spellcraft for 97 (using GI points + divine insight)
He would like to try and figure out the following:
1) Where the Plane Shift was to,
2) If it was regular Plane Shift or Greater Plane Shift (i.e. if they were being specific)
3) Who the caster of the spell was.
Are you using any particular epic skill usages here?
I would like to use the epic usage to Discover the caster, as well as determine the spell level.
Since discovering the caster takes one minute, assuming that's too long for him to find out, he'd at least like to try and determine -where- the spell was directed, if that is possible.
The magic's not going anywhere that fast, it's just a question of if you want to spend the time doing it.
If he can tell where they are going / where they went, then let's proceed with that.
This has come up, this really should be some sort of epic skill usage or be ruled not to be possible. We've done this before, right?
To my knowledge, no, but I don't mind if it's an epic skill usage.
I'll figure that out post session.
The plane shift went to the Astral Plane.
"They went to the Astral." Moore says. "But since I have no idea where, there, that limits our options to give chase."
"They wanted us to follow if they could just plane shift," Kaja announces, "I must be right -they're throwing in wastes of time to occupy resources from more serious attacks, ones designed to do this."
"I think I agree with you." Moore says. "There's no sense in any of this."
Moore takes out his stone to report back to Barachiel -- that they've basically been given a time-consuming chase that seems to point to there being another reason for the theft.
'Very well, return. Attacks are winding down - word has come that the assault on Zaaman Rul was repulsed.'
"I don't like it, but I don't think there's a reason for us to expend any more effort on this." Moore says. "We've been given leave to return."
He turns to Sixtus and gives him a formal bow. "Sixtus VIII, thank you for assisting us in this endeavor. If you find the perpetrators of this crime and wish any assistance in capturing them, please do not hesitate to send word to Hope's Landing in Celestia."
Tryll manifests Trace Teleport, just to see if it'll work.
For the sake of a few things, I'll give you a bonus post.
Sure enough, it's the Astral.
Tryll opens a gate to the destination of the plane shift. 'Or we could skip the whole giving up part and be relentlessly tenacious.'
Miranda nods, going through the portal without further words.
Following, Moore?
Moore decides to trust in Trylls competence as a detective and follows along!
Thus you are within the Astral Plane. The timelessness is like a cloak across your shoulders, nothingness extending in every direction, the Silver Sea awaiting you.
Moore checks for any lingering magic around their current location— assuming where they currently are is even near where the supposed thieves went!
Take 10 for 67 on Spellcraft.
Just the familiar magic of a plane shift.
I.e. one that brought them or another that was cast here?
The one that brought them here.
"Well we're in the right spot and I don't sense any magic that would take them anywhere." Moore says.
What the heck, let's try Hindsight!
Again, it doesn't seem to be catching anything here.
Of course on the Astral, with no concept of time as it naturally is, things could just be confuzzled.
Tryll manifests Examine Astral Reverberations.
The Astral is an open book to meeeeeeeeeee
Paste that? Just go ahead and paste that spell in a spoiler whenever you cast it, I always end up needing to check it.
Fully augmented. DC 40 Will for the object. Beats Mind Blank on CL check: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+35 : 13 + 35, total 48[/blockquote]
Examine Astral Reverberations
Clairsentience
Level: Psion/wilder 9
Display: Mental and visual
Manifesting Time: 1 minute
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instantaneous
Power Points: 17
This power taps information stored in the astral, such as a creature's movements or location, if that creature or object fails a Will save. This power shows the movements of said creature and all of their actions taken within the last week, as well as who and what they interacted with.
This power does not work on any plane that is not connected in some way to the astral plane. This power only functions on creatures and objects with an astral presence; a mind. Inert, non-magical objects such as walls or non-thinking creatures such as non-intelligent oozes and mindless undead are invisible to this power.
Augment
If an additional 5 power points are spent, the power also attempts to postulate a likely future outcome. This provides a benefit similar to that of a divination, but less cryptic. Any information conveyed would concern one single action or possible action regarding that creature, and the question must be phrased to outline the direction for the power to take. Information conveyed can be contained in no more than one single sentence.
If an additional 10 power points are spent, the manifestor may make an opposed caster level check to reveal information about a target that has or had an active mind blank spell.
For every 2 power points spent in either of the above augmentations, the power's DC increases by 1.
You see them travel, you see it come to a color pool, a rusty, angry peach shade as they pass through it.
You have the knowledge skills to identify where the color pool goes: Acheron.
Meanwhile as Tryll works, Kaja looks around. "Were you told what this grail can do?"
"I was not." Moore says. Hmm...
Would K:R be right to try and figure out what it is? 98 if so, 95 if it's another type.
K:A and K:P here.
95 for both, then.
You believe it is likely the Grail of the Fourth Eye. Those who drink of it and are worthy become far sharper at seeing and perceiving things. It's supposed to only work for Helmites according to the legend.
"From what I know, it's probably something called the Grail if the Fourth Eye. It only works for Helmites, though..." he says. "So this is still odd."
"Not really?" Kaja disagrees quietly, "Denying your enemy a resource is worthwhile, even if it's not one you can employ."
"I suppose that's true. But... mmm. I think I'm digging too much into why." He shakes his head. "It doesn't really matter 'why' it was taken, just that it was."
Kaja nods, then turns back to Tryll, waiting.
Free free to add anything you want, but we're both waiting on a Yuthpost here.
"I'm disappointed in Mechanus' security, too." Moore says. "Are we supposed to believe a small animal showed up, took this artifact, then walked out? Preposterous."
One point that got lost because I wasn't expecting a continuance here - did you all want to invite Sixtus? I forgot to even bring it up.
I assumed his jurisdiction ended at Mechanus' border but if not he is welcome to come.
I'll say no since no one thought of it and it was a legit oversight, and you raise a good point too.
"Helm's men are no slouches there," Kaja also says, "They must've done something canny to pull this off."
"There's definitely something odd here." Moore affirms.
From there let me wait on Yuth's reply since that obviously shapes things a lot.
'Acheron. A color pool that-a-way.' Tryll's misty form turns into a giant helpfully-pointing hand.
"We going on, then?" Kaja asks, already peering in the direction Tryll indicates.
"That's the plan!" Calleihg says from Miranda's shoulder.
"We're not going to go too far into Acheron, but for now, let's keep after them." Moore says.
Gimme a d100, one of you.
"Yay!"
'Let's go, then.'
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 98, total 98[/blockquote]
As the party flies in a timeless sea, you notice to that to your right, the Astral is suddenly darkening.
"Well that's not good!" Calleigh observes helpfully.
Miranda peers at it while Kaja looks that way and adds, "Anyone have an idea of what that is?"
Planes?
Yes.
Taking 10 for 63.
Take 10 for 95
It looks like a psychic storm is brewing. The darkness is going to rapidly expand and psychic winds will buffet you tremendously, blowing you far off course or worse. The winds can cause mental trauma as well. The only way to escape a storm is to immediately and at an extremely high speed go the opposite of the way the storm is forming.
I realize we're waiting for the most part, but wanted to post something anyway.
"I think now would be a great time to leave!" Moore says.
"It's that bad," Miranda agrees on a look, "Tempus's balls, we might end up who knows where from that."
If I know where that color pool is, can I teleport to it on the Astral?
Teleporting doesn't work on the Astral, alas.
Tryll opens a gate back to Lunia! 'At least we tried.'
Moore will go through!
Once they're safely on the other side, "Did you see where it was taken, at least?" He asks. "If nothing else, we might be able to go after it at some point."
'Acheron, though I'm unsure beyond that.'
"How'd it go?" Jetina asks once you return.
"Acheron??" Moore says with some surprise. "Well, that'll be an investigation for some other time." A shake of his head as he turns to Jetina. "They got away, but I think we know where it is."
"That's something," Dana says, "So hey, that it or more going off and chasing shit?"
"A trial for another day," Cresiel agrees.
"I heard that Imix was driven off of Zamaan Rul's realm." Moore says. "So I don't expect that we'll be called out to do anything else."
A smile after that. "So I think you're free of helping us run celestial errands."
"For now," Miranda says, "Still, good work is good work."
"At least we're off of Mechanus. Blagh. Yuck!" Calleigh shivers.
Quick question for you two: Now what?
Suddenly Moore is free. Is there anything Moore would like to accomplish with the combined weight of our Awesome?
There's nothing he has pressing that would require the weight of our Awesome that I can think of. Of course, if Tryll needs any help with something he'd offer to help.
Otherwise he just has some odds and ends to pursue now.
I DO need some help with finding a giant deep crystal.
Moore would be happy to introduce Tryll and friends to Crystalle :)
That the plan, then?
Yes, Moore will take Tryll's team to Crystalle's Palace. Moore's team can wait at the base.
Dogs cause the most annoying delays, I swear.
This is simple enough - after all those times visiting, you appear quite close and simply walk up to Crystalle's Palace. You find the gates open to you, no challenge to your entrance this time.
"Usually, if you decide to return here, you will be greeted by Lord Crystalle's many adjutants who can speak on behalf of the Archomental." Moore explains.
Since this is clearly an invitation to come in, he will proceed!
"Yeah, getting to talk to the helpers," Dana frowns as you go along.
Thus you go ahead - and are stopped within. Here a great humanoid of gold, bigger than Hanna herself, looms before you. It is nearly featureless and nude, though no anatomical detail is provided.
"Moore." It speaks in a clear voice, greeting you.
Tryll gestures to Moore to encourage him to speak on their behalf!
This one is Crystalle and not, uh, I think his name was Gold, Actually...
This one is new - it could be Gold in a different shape, it could be Crystalle or someone else.
Elementals, y'know?
"It is good to be here again." Moore says. "You honor is with this invitation inside. This is Tryll, a comrade from my Aurora days. I have brought him here to ask a favor in locating something that I think could be found here in Mineral. Tryll, would you explain please?"
"You may call me Pyrite," The elemental says, "We and us are aware of Aurora. We and us ask that you tell us of what you want, heroes of Aurora."
'We're looking for a single large deep crystal formation. Roughly the size of a large home.'
"Unusual," Is the single word Pyrite says. "You and Moore: Moore, you support him in this venture? You speak for him?"
"His methods may lead to chaos, but they are good intentioned." Moore says.
"Then we and us will hear them," Is Pyrite's answer. "The Crystalle has told we and us to trust you, Moore. Tryll and those of Aurora will be trusted."
"Thank you, Pyrite." Moore says with a smile. "Know that should any of Mineral need aid, I am always here for you."
'We're going to turn it into a flying psychic fortress in order to further our campaign against evil. And Shar. Mostly Shar.'
"You and Moore will hear of that soon," Pyrite says, "As the gems age."
Pyrite nods, "Deep crystal. Mind crystal?"
'Yes. Crystal that collects and amplifies psionic resonance.'
"Come." A single word as Pyrite begins to walk away. "Tryll. Tryll. Others. You and Moore, you are going down another stone."
Tryll is sure there is some significance to that statement as he follows along.
"Send for me if you need anything, Tryll!" Moore calls out after him. "Good luck!"
Okay, both of you are getting new topics shortly. Locking this one.