DM Carl Monday February 15th, 2021 3:20:15 PM
When the correct dimension is reached, there's not a slow transition. Our heroes just find themselves in a small room with a single exit through a closed wooden door. There are about 8 chairs made from metal, very cheap looking upholstery, and some kind of smooth, resin-like material. A small wooden table is in the center stacked with a few large but thin books bound in slippery paper. The language is foreign, but the pictures all seem to show men in the outdoors, oddly decorated homes, or scantly clad women.
The tube lights Tahni saw in her scrying burn overhead, glowing a perfectly white light that hurts the eyes. Everything is very clean and smells of bleach, further burning the eyes. There is an aura in this room; a sense of wanting to leave but being forced to stay. Luckily the door has no lock.
***
Awarding 100,000 XP to everyone, as well as 1 hero point for jumping into the unknown to (hopefully) rescue the remaining Talons.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+32=48 ; Monday February 15th, 2021 6:07:58 PM
Tahni squints a little while her eyes adjust to the burning white light. She looks about with her newly returned Arcane Sight to check for any magical auras.
"Well this is one of the more unusual places we've been" She looks about the room. Knowing that spells sometimes work differently on different planes she tries casting a simple Mage Hand spell to pick up one of those books with the weird homes on it.
Curious about the tome, Tahni then casts a Comprehend Languages spell
"At least there aren't any hostiles in this room"
------------- Perception: 48 + Arcane Sight + See Invisibility Cast Mage Hand to pick up the book Cast Comprehend Languages to see if she can read the cover of the book
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 Monday February 15th, 2021 9:23:11 PM "That's funny Tahni - no hostiles. I'd say whoever brought Lummox here should consider us to be hostiles. Let's see what we can sense here."
Rill looks around to make sure everyone made it. Then he checks to make sure the Status effect of our Dragon Rings works here. Finally, he will reach out with his senses, trying to determine if there are any outsiders or constructs nearby.
Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
Rill shares the result of all this silently with his friends via the rings (assuming they still work here.)
Rill checks his extra-dimensional spaces and pulls out a Continual Flame dagger to check that magic works here as well.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday February 16th, 2021 7:20:06 AM
Fang does not like this room and has no idea why. Just something about it makes her teeth ache. "Lets get moving."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+42=53 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2021 8:15:57 AM
Aex nods at Fang's comment. She doesn't like the place either and from the look on Leafy's face it's clear he doesn't like it any better... With her new Robe Aex automatically sees all forms of invisible or ethereal creatures or objects within 120 feet. (Perception 53)
"You think they don't know we're coming?!? This is the perfect anteroom of death... (ooc Anteroom of Death - song by Tarja Turunen)
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Tuesday February 16th, 2021 8:44:31 AM
Aware that Rill needs some time for detection, Bralin tries out his new helm.
He picks up and flips through a couple of the small books, trying to understand what is written.
He also takes note of which races are more prevalent, or missing, in the pages.
He relays anything of interest through the rings.
——— Use Helm of Comprehend Languages
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday February 16th, 2021 5:32:46 PM
Terser looks around, trying to see if this place has any resemblance to some of the other planes they had a merry chase through just before the tournament. He has a listen at the door to see what he can detect.
Chairs and Books - was someone setting up for story time? Doesn't seem a very relaxing place to read.
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=47 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2021 6:16:32 PM "Maybe they're expecting us or know we are here, maybe not. It did take a miracle to get here."
While the others investigate the room, Jozhur gives the door a thorough examination.
____________________________ Perception: 47 (54 vs traps) Was shadow able to tag along? Maybe inside Jozhur's bag of holding.
DM Carl Tuesday February 16th, 2021 10:42:24 PM Tahni tests her magic to make sure it still works. Her mage hand picks up one of the shiny books easily enough. She can't feel any difference. Her comprehend languages spell works as well, as does Bralin's.
Bralin finds the only race shown in the pages of the books is human. No pages are missing, but there are 4"x5" squares missing out of some pages on thicker pages than the rest. He and Tahni try to find something of use in them, but goodness are they vapid. Roughly half the space in them is dedicated to selling goods, usually associated with the overall theme of the tome. The majority of said themes seem to be living out of doors, cooking, decorating, and fitness. There is one on the bottom that looks well worn with a particularly fetching woman on the cover, along with promises of ways to improve the quality of your coupling and a checklist of ways to detect infidelity in your romantic partner. Each book has a white rectangle on the back with the following:
Compliments of Dr. Rick Ester 430 Hemmingford Lane Suite A8 Fansworth Village, AX
Say what you will about how uninspired the books' content is, but the artwork is perfectly lifelike. Without magic, each image is a masterpiece.
Rill sends his senses out. Perhaps he feels a twinge of alarm when he realizes there are seven outsiders in the room with him. He quickly realizes he is detecting himself and his friends. It seems whatever powers his abilities here is literal. There are no outsiders detectable otherwise.
He changes to detecting constructs and is overwhelmed. How many constructs are around? Hundreds? Thousands? More? It's very possible. They exist in amazing numbers in every direction, including up and down. There is no direction Rill can look where his senses don't detect incredible numbers of constructs. They extend to the edge of his senses, but he notices they are perfectly spaced in a grid, each one 80' away from its neighbors. His dagger functions normally, as do the rings.
Fang and Aexana are keen to leave this room, but they should probably keep waiting for their friends.
Terser doesn't recognize this place from his previous plane travels. He puts an ear to the door and listens. There are sounds out there all right: wheels rolling on a smooth surface, high-pitched regulars beeps, and voices (though he can't make out actual words, just a low mumble).
Jozhur inspects the door. It is a simple painted wooden door with a brushed metal handle. There is no lock, or anything else of note. Jozhur feels confident the door is not trapped and will open without issue. He checks and find Shadow just where he was left.
Tahni's arcane eye sees nothing but the mundane. There is not a hint of magic anywhere she can detect, other than what was brought here.
Rill (MarkB) AC32 T19 F30, CMD 27, HP 181/181 d20+38=49 ; Wednesday February 17th, 2021 12:14:13 AM "Right. So. Not at all sure where or when we are. It turns out we are the only outsiders here within about 1,000 feet. As for constructs, there are hundreds? Thousands? Strangely, they are all very evenly spaced in every direction from where we are, even up and down, each about 80 feet from the other.
"Magic works, and our rings work. Tahni, do you remember when we went to one of the Tinker's worlds and you used a Seeming spell to make us look like locals? Maybe we should do that here. Maybe those sheaves of glossy paper will be a guide as to how we should look. I don't see too much armor in there.
"Anybody able to see what folk may look like on the other side of that door so we can mimic them? I have an invisibility potion and could blip out there and back I suppose. Jozhur, can your shadow tell us what's out there?"
Rill looks around the room, including the ceiling, and even looks low under the table and chairs. (Perception 49)
Rill is a bit puzzled that he didn't sense any of the Talons as outsiders. Must be too far away.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday February 17th, 2021 1:57:05 AM
Tahni relays what she understands from the books "They all have the same label. Compliments of Dr. Rick Ester. I wonder who they are"
She has a good look at the book on the bottom. She's curious about the checklist for determining a partner's infidelity. She can already think of a dozen or so spells that would do the trick. Perhaps there are some she hasn't considered? As for improving the chances of fertility, surely the Enhance Fertility spell is what you'd use. Tahni looks about to see if anyone is watching, then places the book in her haversack. It might be worth a read later.
Rill's observation on the number of constructs is a little alarming. "I stocked up on some scrolls to help deal with constructs, but there's no way I could do anything to help you against so many"
"Knowing how the Talons we taken, what we've seen, and that this is likely a trap I think we should proceed very cautiously. It looks like we are boxed in right now" Tahhi pauses and then looks to Rill "You did bring a tuning fork to get us back to our own plane, right?"
Going in disguise seems like a good plan. If everyone is in agreement, Tahni prepares to cast a Seeming spell. She plans to make everyone look human and wearing clothes that she randomly picks from the pictures in the books.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday February 17th, 2021 6:30:17 AM "I assumed we were expected, that this was like the kidnapping. Disguises seem a dubious proposition." Fang points out. "Still I'm game if you want to try it."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday February 17th, 2021 8:58:53 AM "I can turn invisible with my ring... though I would be surprised if whoever is on the other side of this door would be unable to see even invisible beings. We think we know what we're up against... rest assured out opponent knows everything about us. So far he's always been one step ahead of us. No use staying here... we'll need to confront our adversaries at some point."
That being said, Aex hands a Stoneskin potion to Leafy. "Anyone else interested in one of these?" And then she activates her ring of invisibility.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday February 17th, 2021 9:24:48 AM
Bralin nods agreement with the disguises.
Meanwhile, he concentrates on finding Gort.
using stone warden Dwarven Blood ability. Determine distance and direction to any dwarf within 9 miles
(Brock) Jozhur AC27 / Touch 18 Flat 19--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+8=9 ; d20+29=43 ; d20+37=39 ; Wednesday February 17th, 2021 4:04:19 PM "I'll use one of my invisibility potions and go check things out as much as I'm comfortable. Just stay in the corners along the wall with the door, I'm going to have to open it. Unless someone can create an illusion of a closed door. If you hold off on the disguises a second I can tell you what to look like."
If no one objects, Jozhur will listen for people near the door, then drink an invisibility potions and sneak into the hallway when he thinks no one is walking toward the door. ___________________________ Ignore the +8 roll, it was for shadows perception, then I saw it has a stealth skill of +4 in bright light, yuck.
Perception: 43 Stealth: 39 (59 w/ invisibility)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday February 17th, 2021 9:59:38 PM
Terser waves at Bralin as the dwarf-sense passes over him, then tries to stay out of his line of sight as he searches for Gort.
He takes particular interest in what looks like a collapsing axe used for chopping wood out in the wilderness. While having a magic glaive is obviously better, he sees how this could be useful for someone less burly than himself.
DM Carl Thursday February 18th, 2021 1:03:46 AM Rill shares his findings with his friends, then starts giving the place a good search. It doesn't take long, as there's not much here to search. A few hard, pink, blobby things the size of a bean are stuck under the chairs. A metal grate is set high in the wall, cool air blowing out. Another grate is set in the ceiling, sucking air in. Rill can peer past the grates if he chooses, seeing small, square-walled metal tunnels about 1' x 2'. Other than that and the aforementioned books, chairs, and table, the room is bare.
Tahni takes the salacious book with her, for research. One day, when she has time to give the thing some time, she'll notice the infidelity test contradicts itself several times. No one could possibly pass it. She suggests using a seeming spell to blend in. The books are full of pictures of humans; choosing a few average looking ones is simple enough.
Fang questions the value of disguises, but won't say no. Aexana offers Leafy and any other Dragons who would like one a stoneskin potion.
Bralin hunts for any sign of dwarves nearby, but finds none but himself and his friends. Terser avoids blocking his line of sight before admiring this world's survival gear.
Jozhur drinks an invisibility potion and peeks out the door. The sounds he heard become much louder when the door opens. Outside is a brightly lit hallway, about 15' wide. It extends in both directions as far as Jozhur's eyes can see, and his eyes can see very far. Every couple hundred feet, another hallway crosses this one forming a four-way intersection. Doors similar to the one he opened are evident every hundred feet or so. Small placards show numbers by each door, ascending in one direction, descending in the other.
It sounds like the hallway should be full of activity, but it is quite empty. The sounds move past him, but all speech is unintelligible.
After a few seconds of looking, Rill's construct sense pings a new construct walking in from the max range of his senses. It is moving down the corridor from the right at a brisk pace, roughly the speed of a quick walk. Rill figures it will reach them in 2-3 minutes. Jozhur sees a figure move into the hallway from an intersection several hundred feet away. His keen eyes spot a human female. Her clothes are loose and have a colorful pattern that seems to repeat itself over and over. She does not appear threatening, but she's pretty far away still.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:25:11 AM
Fang waits in the waiting room impatiently.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+25=33 ; Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:46:56 AM
Listing to Jozhur's findings Aex gets the shivers of this place...
"Might wanna remember the number on this door if ever we want to make it back home... and we perhaps a trail of breadcrumbs when we search these corridors? Are these portals from any dimension to another?? (Know Arcana : 33)
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Thursday February 18th, 2021 12:50:46 PM
Rill points as he says, "So, we have a new construct moving our way from that direction. It will probably be here in 2-3 minutes. Someone strategically placed constructs at 80 foot intervals throughout this place, so I fear that moving out may bring the whole place down on us. But I'm also not a big fan of just waiting around to see what happens.
Rill casts an extended See Invisibility to see if the noises are invisible people in the hallway. He's rather not be bumping into people we cannot see.
If the hallway is not full of invisible people, he drinks a Potion of Invisibility and reads a Scroll of Silence, centering the spell on a dagger so he can toss it away if needed.
"I created a Silence effect on a dagger. Spellcasters will need to be 20' away from me to cast spells. We'll need to use the rings to communicate and to know where each other are. I assume you all have the ability to become invisible - if not, speak up. Let's move out and away from whatever is coming. We'll go single file along the right wall. Let's see if we can find Lummox.
"Jozhur, can you scout ahead?"
Unless someone stops him, Rill will move out once everyone is hidden in some way.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday February 18th, 2021 4:21:22 PM
Bralin moves along as Rill requests, although his inability to locate Gort raises some concerns.
There are no dwarves within 9 miles of our location, he reports. How are we to find those we seek?
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; d20+37=41 ; Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:09:33 PM
Jozhur relays the best description he can of the woman walking toward him. From what Rill is saying, he assumes she is the construct.
He turns and heads the opposite direction, wanting to stay out if Rill's silence.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:11:07 PM "Maybe Gort is no longer a dwarf" Tahni considers the gruesome possibility "It looked like they were being made into some sort of flesh golem"
Of course the silence spell does also impact Tahni's ability to cast spells. She stays in the room and at least 30ft behind Rill.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Thursday February 18th, 2021 6:25:52 PM Good question Bralin. From Tahni's scrying, I'm guessing he's been turned into a construct and may not technically register as a dwarf any more. Those tubes of green liquid and Gort's head being placed where Lummox' arm was - I have a hunch that Lummox now has an acid-spitting appendage. I hope I'm wrong.
Assuming Rill is outside, Rill's spectacles make it easier t see the woman construct headed our way in a colorful pattern. Weird.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday February 18th, 2021 7:26:04 PM I don't really do inconspicuous, so I'll need help with the invisible bit.
He doesn't have any thought on tracking, unless Tahni's spell is still active or she can cast it again. He can't really go by smell, since the chemicals pretty much override anything he could normally pick up. If they wnt to hang out for 10 minutes while he asks the Gods, he can. But a speedier solution is probably best here.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Thursday February 18th, 2021 8:16:22 PM
(Sorry for the multiple player posts - trying to be responsive to the situation.)
Rill gives Terser an Invisibility potion.
DM Carl Thursday February 18th, 2021 11:09:56 PM
And so our friends valiantly head out of their purgatory under cover of invisibility and magical silence. The sounds of the hallway yield to the silence spell. Aexana notes the room number they were in: 5529.
Aexana wonders if each of these doors leads to another dimension. That would be something, wouldn't it? Nothing hints at it, though. There are still no magical auras here other than the ones you brought with you.
Question remains: what are our heroes exploring? If they're looking for something distinctive to draw their attention, they're in for some disappointment. This place is monotony given form.
Except, of course, for the woman still heading towards you. Or rather, the room you came from.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday February 18th, 2021 11:26:02 PM "Can you tell if the lady is a construct, or whether she's perhaps carrying one?" Tahni asks Rill
"It would seem we're not going to get anywhere blindly searching. We need a lead. If noone has a better idea, perhaps I set myself up as bait? I change my appearance to look like someone from the book and wait and see what she does. I've got both Comprehend Languages and Tongues spells going so I should be able to understand her. If things get dicey I trust you all to bail me out. Any other ideas?"
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Friday February 19th, 2021 8:07:26 AM
Fang's preferred method would be a methodical room by room search but opening a bunch of doors while invisible will just get them caught when whoever is here notices doors opening by themselves. For now she stands by weapon ready in case this approaching woman turns out to be a threat.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Friday February 19th, 2021 3:09:30 PM
[b]"Hang on... Leafy's not invisible either... and I don't have any potions or scrolls to turn him invisible either. Should I ask Leafy to stay here untill we actually run into trouble?
I should be able to see any invisible creatures closing in on us as soon as they are closer than 120ft...
Now's perhaps a good moment for some Foresight cast on our scouts... see if the spell warns you of any actions that might endanger you... you won't be flatfooted either... ", Aex adds mentally and touches Jozhur
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+17=34 ; Friday February 19th, 2021 4:27:18 PM
Terser think back to his time in the tunnels and wonders if he can find an entrance. Maybe something about the echoes or air currents will let him know if there's an open space of some kind. There's more likely to be someone to question there if it exists. perception 34
Hopefully though, they'll be able to communicate with the woman approaching them.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Friday February 19th, 2021 4:39:00 PM
Rill fishes out his last Potion of Invisibility and hands it to Aexana for her Vegetable of Unusual Size.
Honestly, how do you guys even leave the house without a potion or two of invisibility?
Tahni, your plan is as good as any. I'm assuming the woman approaching us is a construct, but maybe she's like those monks and doesn't even know. We'll all be in the hallway, silent and invisible and ready to follow. Let's see where she takes you.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday February 19th, 2021 5:59:23 PM
Tahni gives a nod and in the room casts a Disguise Self spell. She makes herself look like a 5ft tall human female and wearing what look like common clothes from the book. She also tries to find something that the people might carry that looks like some kind of haversack of backpack. It would be difficult to conceal hers otherwise should she need to recover something from it.
Cast Disguise Self
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=35 ; d20+37=39 ; Friday February 19th, 2021 8:42:01 PM "This place is vast. The only obvious clue it is then. I'll be right behind her."
Jozhur tries to follow the woman into the room without her noticing. He will also give her a careful look over.
DM Carl Saturday February 20th, 2021 10:24:28 AM Tahni may remember Rill detecting the woman because she was a construct. She decides blindly stumbling around won't do anyone any good and that she'll engage the woman in disguise.
Fang would rather a room by room search. One wonders if she realizes the scope of the place she's found herself, or if Fang's work ethic is just that impressive. Nonetheless she remains armed and invisible.
Aexana notes leafy is visible, which prompts Rill to give his last potion of invisibility. She recommends a foresight spell.
Terser waits and feels for air currents. The findings are odd. Winds seem to blow more than they should in the enclosed space. He can trace the air flows from one type of opening in the wall covered with a grid of 1/2" squares to another type of opening in the ceiling made of concentric cones. The wall openings blow out cold air, and the ceiling ones remove the hottest air from the top. It makes for a comfortable, if chilly, atmosphere.
Rill wonders how people get out of bed without a way to turn invisible these days and agrees with Tahni's plan. Jozhur also agrees and stands ready to jump in. His keen eyes spot a device hanging around her neck. It looks like a rough Y shape. The bottom is some kind of rubber tube with a flat circle on the end. The tops are metal and curve in towards each other at the top, where they terminate in more rubbery looking bits. A small black device about 2"x3" is clipped to the waistband of her outfit. The outfit also has several large pockets that appear to hold more gear.
Tahni casts her disguise spell, turning herself into a short human woman in a simple blue dress with flat-soled, comfortable flats and a large bag over her shoulder. The books referred to the bag as a "mom bag", and it is indeed large enough to stow a baby comfortably. It seems a cold, impersonal way of carrying a baby around.
The woman in question gives a warm smile to Tahni as she nears, but doesn't look like she's about to stop and have a chat.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Sunday February 21st, 2021 2:26:25 PM
Bralin waits.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Sunday February 21st, 2021 5:48:37 PM "Ok, seems like I've blended in ok. What now though? Do we follow her? I suppose I could disguise myself to look like her and we walk the other way? I'm not sure. Anyone have any ideas?"
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Sunday February 21st, 2021 6:14:54 PM "Well, I guess we don't have many options but to follow this construct."
Rill will follow this thing.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+29=33 ; d20+29=31 ; d20+37=46 ; Sunday February 21st, 2021 10:27:25 PM
Jozhur continues shadowing the "woman", waiting to see where she goes or what happens when Tahni interacts with her.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Monday February 22nd, 2021 4:13:57 AM
Aex thanks Rill without saying a word and makes sure her shrubbery friend downs the potion. Good think Aex can see invisible beings so she has no hard time following everyone along.
With no takers the little Greenmage casts Foresight on herself wondering if it's wise and safe to follow that "woman"... it's questionable that it will be 'safe' though... if they wanted to go someplace safe they should not be here in the first place...
*** Active spells *** Aexana : Foresight (170min counting from 20210221) Aexana : Invisible through her Ring Aexana : see invisible and ethereal beings within 120 ft through her Robe of Eyes Leafy : Invisibility potion from Rill (counting from 20210221)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Monday February 22nd, 2021 4:54:09 AM
Tahni smiles back to the woman. She wants to blend in and say some things, but without knowing the language spoken here she could give herself away if she chooses to use the wrong one.
Instead, she just gives the woman a nod and rocks back and forth on her heels as if she's waiting for something.
DM Carl Monday February 22nd, 2021 4:02:27 PM Tahni is disguised, but what to do about it? She attempts to blend in, but blend in to what? She's the lone visible person in the whole empty hallway other than the construct. Doesn't really matter, though, since the construct just gives a nod back and keeps going.
The rest of the gang tails her. Aexana's foresight spell doesn't warn her about any danger from the woman. The construct heads to the room the party was in before, opens the door, and calls out, "Sea Dragons?" It's not a question, but she asks it like one. The room was empty when you left it, but she still looks around. She locks eyes with something and asks again, "Sea Dragons?" It appears she didn't get the response she was looking for, since she sighs. It's a very slight sigh, until she closes the door all the way and groans with frustration. She reaches into one of her pockets and pulls out a thin, black rectangle that fits in her hand. She touches something on it, then raises it to her mouth and begins speaking. Her voice is projected from somewhere, though there's no evident source.
"Sea Dragons to the waiting area. Sea Dragons to the waiting area." Her voice echoes from down the hall. Evidently it was projected to this entire area. She looks around with a little annoyance visible on her face, mumbling something under her breath.
Perception DC 22, Highlight to display spoiler: {"No, it's cool. It's not like it's called the waiting room for a reason. Why would you wait in the waiting room? We obviously wanted you to wait somewhere else, that way we get to play hide and seek. I totally have time for that." ooc: This is not me chastising you for leaving the room.}
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+17=37 ; Monday February 22nd, 2021 4:24:43 PM Perception pass - nat 20
It seems like we were expected, folks. I guess we just ask her what she wants with us?
Bralin moves back into the room, walking until he can hear the clank of his armor.
As soon as he's out of Rill's silence effect, he growls a demand.
"State your intent."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Monday February 22nd, 2021 9:44:37 PM "Uh, present!" Tahni - who'd been standing in the hall and making no attempt to hide - raises her hand.
She walks past the woman and delivers a bit of an explanation "Waiting isn't something we tend to do when people we know are in trouble"
Perception check vs DC22: Autopass
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Monday February 22nd, 2021 10:23:32 PM
Rill waits some more.
RobC - Fang (subbing for Mitch) Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 1:16:54 AM
Like Bralin, Fang doesn't trust the woman. She keeps her hand near her weapon just waiting for this lady to give her an excuse to use it.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 3:47:21 AM
Feels rude to stay invisible Aex thinks... but turning visible all of a sudden isn´t so friendly either. Since It seems they are awaiting the Seadragons they probably know how many there should be... Oh well...
Aex turns visible.
"Well met. Aexana of the Sea Dragons. My companon Leafy here drank an invisibility potion but well... here he is... ", and with that said she pats her friend on one of his many braches...
DM Carl Tuesday February 23rd, 2021 10:24:33 PM
A consensus quickly emerges: may as well see what this construct wants.
Aexana, kindly old gnome that she is, becomes visible and is generally pleasant. Tahni comes across a bit sheepishly. Bralin is himself.
The construct seems a little surprised as people become visible, but chuckles at Bralin's gruffness. "Come on, Bralin. You know that act doesn't work on me, you old softie." She playfully sticks her tongue out. "How long are you guys going to play at the whole 'we're being careful' routine? It was cute the first dozen or so times. I assume everyone else is still hidden?" She starts walking, seemingly expecting you'll follow. "Dr. Ester has made some great progress on your patient lately. I think we're going to see a breakthrough any day now!" She pulls a small spike out of her pocket and offers it to Aexana. The gnome has never seen anything like it, but it smells strongly of fertilizer. "Here's the treat I promised Leafy last time for being so brave."
The construct walks through the halls quickly, turning left here, then right there...she turns a lot. Not so bad that anyone needs to worry about finding their way back to the "waiting room", but it would have been real hard to find where she was going. The change in the hallway is subtle, but slowly the blinding cleanliness of the place starts to fade. The place is still clean, but there's a patina of age that creeps in. Outside the silence spell, the sound of a busy hallway comes back. It quiets as the atmosphere starts to darken.
The construct chats the entire time you walk, seeming genuinely friendly and not at all threatening. She stops at a door that doesn't stand out at all among the others. Its number is 2991. "Here we are," she says as she opens the door. Inside is an odd half-table covered in a single sheet of paper. Seven chairs and one stool can be seen, along with a short counter with a sink and two jars. One is filled with small balls of cotton, the other wooden sticks. There's also a corner in the table with a few more of the large books. "Dr. Ester will be along in a few minutes to see you." She holds the door open for you.
Aexana's foresight spell isn't giving her any alarms.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday February 24th, 2021 12:53:30 AM
Jozhur remains hidden and outside of the silence spell (if he can do so while staying in the room).
He is trying to remember what this woman could be talking about with leafy.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday February 24th, 2021 1:40:05 AM
Tahni doesn't like where this is going. "What do you mean by 'progress'? And what sort of 'breakthrough' are you hoping for? The vision I had was not a pleasant one so Dr Ester best not be the one responsible for it"
She speaks to the others as she awaits an answer. "Who is this construct and how does she know so much about us? Anyone recognize her? Sounds like she has at least met Leafy before. Notice how she said patient rather than patients?"
Tahni pauses for a moment almost in shock as a thought suddenly comes to her. Dr Rick Ester. Drrickester. Trickster.
"It's the Trickster! You know, the Tinker!"
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Wednesday February 24th, 2021 2:11:45 AM
This construct is unusually perceptive and well informed. Before going in the room, Rill will take the dagger that has the Silence spell cast on it and put it in an extra dimensional pants pocket. This should end the effect for now.
He paces in the room as he speaks through the rings.
"Ugh, I don't like this a bit. They clearly knew we were here. You're very clever Tahni - it must be the Tinker. Pity we were never able to actually get to him before. You know, I'm going to be pretty mad if it turns out to be that Abbot."
Rill will once again reach out with his senses, searching for Constructs and Outsiders. He will share what he learns with his friends. He also uses the Status effect of the rings to make sure we are all actually still here. ------------------------------------
Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday February 24th, 2021 9:27:15 AM
Aex is puzzled when this woman mentions she promised something to Leafy... has her old brain completely abandoned her?
"I'm sorry dear... please forgive an old Gnome... when did you say you promised this to Leafy?"
But when Tahni goes from Dr Rick Ester to Trickster she freezes for a split second...
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday February 24th, 2021 5:52:39 PM
It takes several moments for Bralin to process what he just heard. Even then, the dumbfounded dwarf can do no more than follow along.
"you old softie" rattles around in his head as he moves. Bralin is quite sure he's never been so thoroughly, and yet pleasantly, insulted in all his life.
RobC - Fang (subbing for Mitch) Wednesday February 24th, 2021 6:08:23 PM
Fang tightens her grip on her weapon, just waiting for someone to give the signal for her to unleash.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Wednesday February 24th, 2021 7:04:35 PM we've been here more than a dozen times? has someone played with our memories? I find it hard to believe that they could have successfully altered all of our perceptions that many times without any slipups. So who has been here masquerading as us? If they can make constructs this well, maybe there are construct us's running around too.
DM Carl Wednesday February 24th, 2021 9:15:31 PM Jozhur declines to show himself despite the construct's assumption that he's there. His memory comes up with absolutely nothing related to her and Leafy. Her appearance isn't particularly striking; it's possible he could have walked right by her a dozen times in a crowd without noticing her. He'd remember having interacted with her, though.
Tahni believes she has struck upon the identity of the man behind the curtain, but keeps it between friends. She asks about the progress and breakthrough the construct is talking about. "With Lummox, Gort, and Cammie, of course. They were in such bad shape when they were brought in, especially Gort!" She seems genuinely concerned.
Sense motive, DC 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {No really, she's genuinely concerned about their well-being.}
"Dr. Ester is a miracle worker, though! It's amazing they lived through their first night here, let alone the months of surgery and treatment they've needed. I think we're officially out of the woods, though. I think the doctor's planning on discharging him soon. It's so great that you've been here to help him through it all. He may have lost hope without you."
Rill slips the quiet dagger into an extra-dimensional space, temporarily suppressing its effect. One assumes it is very quiet inside that space, however. His outsider sense still turns up only himself and his companions. Construct sense still has many, many constructs spaced out in all directions, plus this woman.
Rill will be very upset if it ends up being the Abbot. That would be something, wouldn't it? Hiding his outsider aura from Rill by mastering the martial arts...your DM wishes he'd thought of it. He'll certainly file it away for some other group of players.
Aexana is confused and asks the construct what she's talking about. "Last time, with the cuff, remember?" She pulls out a small roll of folded rubber with a tube and bulb attached to it. "I wanted to know if Leafy had detectable blood pressure since he's a living plant. He was nervous about the cuff here, so I promised him a treat if he let me. Nothing detectable, if you remember. Not surprising, but it's never ok to just make assumptions."
Bralin reels from the insult, even though none was meant. Fang waits for her opportunity to unleash violence.
Terser doesn't think their memories could have been altered dozens of times. His own attempts to recall anything fail. He's sure he's never been here before, and no flashes of memory come forward. Are there fake Sea Dragon constructs running around out there? Based on the other constructs he's met, he can't rule out the possibility.
After the party is in the room, the construct closes the door and leaves. Rill senses her walking away from the door. She's about 3/4 of the way towards the edge of his sense before her speed increases to impossible levels. She clears the last 200 feet in a fraction of a fraction of a second. He can barely tell she didn't just vanish.
The room they've found themselves in is different than the waiting room, but waiting seems to be one of it's functions. It's some kind of second waiting room, here to tease you when you think you're done waiting in the first room. The large books are mostly the same, with one exception. In the middle of the pile is one titled Wold Co Quarterly. The cover is a picture of the Lionfish at sea, cresting a large wave. The following is written down one side of the cover next to the picture:
Meet the newest Dragons! At home with the Sea Dragons, an expose by Parnell Rigsby.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday February 25th, 2021 1:32:10 AM "I didn't see Cammie in the scrying sensor. This lady keeps referring to them all as one patient. Based on what I saw, I think they might have all been stitched together in some gruesome way"
Tahni is still confused about how the lady seems to know them.
This book looks interesting, if somewhat confusing. "The name Parnell Rigsby mean anything to anyone?" Tahni picks it up and tries to read it thanks to her Comprehend Languages spell. She's especially interested to see if there are any pictures of the group and any particular stories.
"I'm getting a really bad feeling about this place. If the Tinker is behind all this then nothing good can come of it"
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 d20+38=39 ; Thursday February 25th, 2021 2:05:32 AM "Yeah, didn't Parnell come to our place in Bonetown and make some sketches and get personal details from us as new Dragons?"
Rill will search the room as best he can (Perception 39). He also looks for any other doors, and will cast Detect Magic in the room.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Thursday February 25th, 2021 6:00:37 AM
Aex feels dizzy... it's almost as if this woman is referring to them in parallel dimensions or something like that... as if there are more versions of ... well of everything?!? Aex knows for sure that this Aex nor this Leafy have ever been here before.
They came here to find Lummox, Gort, and Cammie. It's been what? A day or so since the brutal murder... and this woman speaks of the months of surgery and treatment they've needed... how so?!?
It feels her world is spinning... what is real and what is not?! Will she be taking the blue pill or the red one? Too much for an old Gnome.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Thursday February 25th, 2021 6:57:45 PM Tis likely Tinker has built the constructs with embedded memories, Bralin offers. It thinks it knows us because he has instructed it that way. He may have built this entire place, and populated it, with bodies to his liking.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday February 25th, 2021 7:43:14 PM
Jozhur nods to Rill, "Yes, that was him." Always curious, Jozhur grabs the publication and starts flipping through it.
"Yes, time apparently passed differently here. Or at least that construct thinks it has."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Thursday February 25th, 2021 9:06:02 PM lol - Rill's Nat1 was a higher result than my Nat20
Terser is poring over the magazine with Tahni. He's concerned that someone has been spying on them. He looks for pictures of himself in particular, since with his Mind Blank, no one should be able to scry on him.
DM Carl Friday February 26th, 2021 12:00:12 AM Tahni fears the worst. She briefly wonders who Parnell Rigsby is, but her friends remind her he's the one who interviewed them and captured their likenesses for Wold Co merchandise. She won't need a comprehend languages for this book; it's in Woldian common.
Rill does a thorough search of the room and checks for magic. There are odds and ends, most of which he can tell are medicinal in nature. His magic detection spell still comes up empty except for what magic the group brought with them.
Aexana is feeling a bit overwhelmed at all this. One world is enough for her, thankyouverymuch.
Bralin ponders the constructs have implanted memories. He gave the monks back at the Invitational personalities and at least some memories, so it's certainly possible.
Jozhur also ponders about time moving differently here.
Terser looks through the book with everyone else.
The article in question describes Parnell's morning meeting with the lot of you a few weeks back. It paints a positive picture of all of you, just shy of fawning. The images Parnell captured are included in the article, and honestly the whole thing reads like one big advertisement for Wold Co Trading Cards. There is nothing scandalous in the article, and no information that's not either public or was given to him during your meeting.
Rill's keen eyes notice something amiss, but not inside this room. The outside corridor has gotten grimier, like it's gone a long time without cleaning.
Knowledge, planes DC 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {Time distortion, repeating and seemingly infinite corridors...all signs point to this being a demiplane. Demiplanes are not naturally occurring, but created by very powerful magic users or supernatural entities. Whoever created it can wield a *lot* of power while they're here.}
Rill and anyone else who can pass a DC 15 perception check hears footsteps coming towards this room. His outsider sense, construct sense, and magic detection all come up empty.
***
Don't forget Mitch needs a sub still.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+42=47 ; d20+26=44 ; Friday February 26th, 2021 5:15:37 AM
(perception 47 / no knowledge about the planes)
Aex is speechless and clueless for now... she hears footsteps approaching and is on edge. She violently shakes her head hoping to get rid of any illusion tricks... (Will save 44 vs illusions)
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday February 26th, 2021 8:02:02 PM
Tahni looks around the room and then let's the party know her thinking. "You know, this has all the signs of being a demi-plane. They're not naturally occuring and it takes a LOT of power to make one. Certainly more than any of us could ever expect to wield. Whoever created it is going to have a whole lot of power while they're here"
"Someone's coming"
----------- Knowl Planes vs DC30: 35 (Take10) = Pass Perception check vs DC15: Autopass
RobC - Fang (subbing for Mitch) Friday February 26th, 2021 8:02:54 PM
Fang silently moves to stand to the side of the door. If something obviously hostile comes through she's ready to attack.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 Saturday February 27th, 2021 1:40:41 AM
Rill casts Foresight, hoping the spell will give a warning if there's a problem.
"Thanks Tahni. I wonder how you get rid of a Demiplane? I mean, if it can be made it can be unmade."
Rill tries to sense if there are any constructs that are also outsiders. Afterall, Lummox should register as an outsider here.
DM Carl Saturday February 27th, 2021 10:15:41 AM Aexana tries to believe this is all an illusion. She musters impressive willpower, but not impressive enough to change the reality around her. This is all very real.
Tahni comments on this place being a demiplane, and requiring more power than they'd ever hope to wield. That last part isn't entirely true, but the magic of the Wold wouldn't allow it.
Fang gets into position, ready to attack anything that comes through that door.
Rill wonders how to unmake a demiplane...and you know what? That's actually possible.
Knowledge, Arcana DC 40 (difficulty due to the magic is not native to the Wold), Highlight to display spoiler: {So, in tomes from extra-dimensional travelers that have mentioned demiplanes, they've noted they're not permanent. They usually only last a few weeks. So, maybe you only have to wait. They can be made permanent by the same permanency spell you're familiar with. What happens when that permanency spell is dispelled is unclear. Does it continue on for the duration that was remaining? Does it instantly pop out of existence? Demiplanes can be dispelled by a wish or mage's disjunction, but what happens when you're on the plane when you do that? What about the Talons? Is whoever's behind this even playing by the same rules? The amount of variables here makes dispelling the plane *extremely perilous*, but hey...maybe it all works out? Don't read this as me talking you out of it, just letting you know there are probably unforeseen consequences. Maybe you're so tired of whoever's behind this that breaking its toys is worth the risk?}
Rill can't detect any overlapping outsider and construct targets. It's a good idea, but if Tahni's idea is correct it's possible they register as a native to this plane.
OOC: That's a lot of good ideas put in such a small post, Mark.
Whoever's coming is here. They knock three times, then open the door. One wonders why they knocked in the first place. A kindly looking, middle-aged human enters. He is shockingly handsome, with thick dark hair that is turning gray at the temples, a chiseled jawline, and pierceing green eyes. He is impossibly pretty...literally. No one actually looks this good. He is dressed in a pair of smooth pants and button-up white shirt with a bow-tie around his neck. This jerk makes the bow-tie look sophisticated. He wears a long, white coat. On the right breast is a red embroidered symbol of a winged staff with two snakes circling around it.
"Sea Dragons! Sorry to keep you waiting, but lots happening? Everyone ready for the big day?" He seems happy to see you, and not in a "now you're going to get it" kinda way. First impression is one of kindness, even to those of you adept at reading people's true nature.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Saturday February 27th, 2021 12:03:42 PM
Bralin has no desire to interact with this fellow.
He waits.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+25=41 ; Saturday February 27th, 2021 7:08:55 PM
Tahni nods "Good question Rill. You know, I think we could dispel it with a Wish or Disjunction spell. We still have those wishes with us. If things look dire we can just break his toys. Though what would happen if we were here at the time is a little unknown to me, but hey, at least we have options"
The knocking gives Tahni a moment to compose herself before the doctor enters.
"Dr Rick Ester I presume?" she gives a quick smile and then sits down. "Unusual name that. Almost sounds like 'trickster'. Would you believe we even know someone with that name? Seriously, we do. He'd call himself Trickster or Tinker or things like that. Horrible person mind you". Tahni is trying to taunt the man a little so he can drop the charade or at least fluster him. "We didn't come to bore you with chit chat though."
"So. Can you take us to our friends please? We'd rather see them without delay."
--------------- Knowl check vs DC40: 41=Pass!
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 d20+33=49 ; d20+38=48 ; Saturday February 27th, 2021 9:08:00 PM
Rill remains silent, watching the man to see if he shows any sign he can see the invisible people (Sense Motive 49, Perception 48.) He uses his abilities to determine if this person is a construct or an outsider, and he uses Deathwatch to know if he is undead.
"So you say whoever created this place is very powerful here? If we do end this place Tahni, you should be able to cast Planar Adaptation for wherever that leaves us, and I can Plane Shift us back to the Wold. But we need to deal with this Tinker person, wherever he is. I fear that Lummox, Gort and whats-her-name may be beyond saving at this point. Merely retrieving whatever their body parts were made into may be pointless. But we need to stop this Tinker from doing any more tinkering."
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday February 28th, 2021 7:25:02 AM
Fang is starting to get a little confused. "So... why are we playing along with this at all? Yes the constructs aren't hostile, but that just means there's nothing stopping us from tearing through this place to find him. Playing these games with these constructs just sets us up for a trap. No matter how nice they are, they're objects following orders that could murder us all while still acting as presently as a small down healer."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Sunday February 28th, 2021 10:49:27 AM
Aex is a little bit surprised at Tahni's taunts... but then again... if things have got to get dire then why wait. Her small hands take hold of her staff a little bit tighter as if she braces herself...
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Monday March 1st, 2021 6:25:19 PM
Terser is inclined to agree with Fang, but being the good guys, they can't exactly make the first move without proof. At the moment, he's not even sure about helping Rill bring Gargul's law down unless the constructs prove harmful. After all, who are they to impose a religion from another plane here?
He's conflicted overall, and won't be throwing the first punch. If it comes down to it though, he'll be sure to throw the last.
DM Carl - Map! Monday March 1st, 2021 10:15:48 PM Bralin is not playing this game. I mean, we're all playing a game, but Bralin's not playing this one. Aexana is surprised at Tahni's boldness.
The group discusses whether or not they're going to play along with this, with Fang being of the opinion that a better option may be to just tear this place apart. Terser is concerned with making sure they act like the good guys.
Rill subtlety reminds his DM that some of them are invisible, which is good because he forgot. All his detection spells come up negative. As far as he can tell, he is just a human. He's almost certainly not just a human, but he's not something Rill can put a label on.
Tahni speaks for the group, commenting on Dr. Ester's name and asking to see her friends.
The man just looks at Tahni, all the while his smile widens from a slight grin to one that is positively beaming. "Well yes, Tahni, that's the joke. I've got to say I'm surprised by how you're all going along with this, but that's what makes you so fantastic, isn't it? I'm never sure what you're all going to do next. I wasn't sure if we'd keep playing doctor or if Fang would pop out and just attack outright." He stares straight at the invisible rat girl.
"...but if you'd rather skip this and move straight to your reunion, we can do that too!" He flips a small, white switch near the door and three of the four walls retract quickly into the floor, revealing a much bigger room. More lights overhead flare to life, illuminating what is mostly empty space. The doctor casually leans against the wall, ready to watch the scene unfold.
Directly ahead of you is a huge steel table. Lying on top of the table is exactly what everyone was so worried about: an amalgamation of the captured Talons. Lummox's powerful body makes up most of the mass, but Gort's head is stitched onto the shoulder near the missing arm. Marjorie's head, torso, and arms protrude from the thing's back. The thing is able to look in every direction at once.
Perception DC 20, Highlight to display spoiler: {They are all much older looking than they were yesterday.}
"So, this is the part where you try and save them or reason with that thing, right? I hope so, I'm genuinely curious to see how it reacts. Does it remember any of you after so many years? Maybe they blame you for what happened to them?" He looks genuinely curious. There's a noticeable lack of anything resembling mockery on his face.
Rill notices the beast corresponds with one of the construct auras he sensed earlier. As the walls fall away, all other construct auras vanish.
The beast stands. All three pairs of eyes blink as they adjust to the light, but they turn towards the sound of the man's voice. The effect is almost comical as all three heads try to see, resulting in the creature sort of...spinning.
***
We're in combat rounds. Map is in header.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Monday March 1st, 2021 11:23:36 PM "Years? To think how much torture they must have been put through. It may be that the only kind thing to do is to end their suffering." It may sound cold but having been a captive and subject to torture herself, Tahni knows that it may be the release they need.
She doesn't have time to engage in any witty banter with the doctor right now and so she takes steps to try and gauge how alert the three may be.
"Gort! Lommux! Marjorie! It's Tahni Wyrmrider of the Sea Dragons. We've come to take you home. Whirfoot is safe and waiting to see you again" Tahni moves around the table "Can you understand what I'm saying?"
------------ Move action: Move to G18 Standard action: READY action to cast Silence via tattoo at the space the monster stands IF it (probably Marjorie) starts to cast a spell
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+26=29 ; d6+8=12 ; 2d6=6 ; 8d6=26 ; d20+37=55 ; Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 12:30:20 AM
Jozhur eyes this Dr. Ester Trickster. He contemplates trying to bury his swords in the man, but the solution can't be that easy.
He stays invisible and starts to circle the monstrosity, ready to attack should it head for Tahni.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+29=41 ; d10=2 ; Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 6:40:41 AM
Well he knows Fang's there and seems to at least partially expect her to attack him. She sees no reason to disappoint, even though it's likely futile, so she walks up and smacks him with her axe (41 to hit, damage). Whether or not it has an effect she turns her attention to the amalgamation afterwards.
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 d20+14=19 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 12:31:29 PM "What a pitiable creature. It presents a bit of a dilemma - we don't want to have to kill this thing, and we are probably gonna have to kill this thing. This Tinker guy is a really bad guy. So maybe we can hem in that monstrosity so we can focus on one thing at a time.
"Lets take out Doctor Dimento here first."
Still invisible, Rill will move away from the "doctor" and cast a Blade Barrier around the construct monster. "Gort - Klaatu barada nikto! Lummox and Marjorie, stand down while we figure this out. We should work together to get you out of here. And don't go near those whirling blades. They will hurt you." (Diplomacy 19)
Then he will cast a Quickened Resist Energy, Acid on himself (metamagic rod.)
------------------------------------------------------------------ Spells Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, Invisibility, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Spells/abilities available, * = cast/used: 0 (DC19): Create Water, Guidance, Detect Magic, Detect Posion 1 (DC20): Longstrider (D), Bless, Command, Command, Detect Evil, Protection from Evil, Protection from Evil, Entropic Shield 2 (DC21): See Invisible* (D), Calm Emotions, Delay Posion, Hold Person, Remove Paralysis, Resist Energy, Silence 3 (DC22): Divination* (D), Blindness/Deafness, Blindness/Deafness, Dispel Magic, Prayer, Protection From Energy, Water Walk 4 (DC23): Dimension Door (D), Air Walk, Deathward, Divination, Freedom of Movement, Sending, [open slot] 5 (DC24): True Seeing (D), Bannish Immortal, Breath of Life, Flame Strike, Flame Strike, Quickened Shield of Faith, Commune* 6 (DC25): Teleport (D), Blade Barrier, Quickened Calm Emotions, Heal, Heal, Greater Dispel Magic 7 (DC26): Greater Teleport (D), Destruction, Destruction, Ethereal Jaunt, Quickened Magic Circle Against Evil, [open slot] 8 (DC27): Moment of Prescience* (D), Animated Disjunction, Animated Disjunction, Discern Location*, Holy Aura 9 (DC28): Foresight* (D), Miracle, Miracle, Miracle, Miracle*
Abilities/Items Agile Feet (Su) 12/day - Dim. Hop (Sp) 190'/day - Greater Insight (Sp) 3/day - Channel Energy (Su) 7/day - Obscuring Mist (Item) 2/day - Deathwatch (Item) Continual Eagle's Splendor (Item) 1/day - Faerie Fire (Tattoo) - 3/day - MM Extend, Lesser (Item) - 6/day - MM Silent, Lesser (Item) - 3/day - MM Quicken, Lesser (Item) - 3/day - 1 used MM Quicken (Item) - 6/day - Tongues (class)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 2:23:53 PM
Terser agrees with Rill, knowing that the "Doctor" is the real threat, and the golem can be put down if we're not able to reason with it. He bets the Trickster has built some sort of control into it, so he grows large and fierce, and growls to him.
cast enlarge person on self
Release whatever control you have over our friends, Trickster, or face the consequences.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 4:54:51 PM
Surprised how fast things turn sour Aex plants down her Staff. It's been a while but there once again appears her Staff Treant. (Green TR) The little Greenmage, never a fan of hand to hand combat, changes in a Medium Air Elemental and veers up into the air and behind the counter. Leafy (Green LF) stands next to the Treant.
Bralin finds it highly unlikely that the Tinker doesn't know he's right there, or that he would apparently relax against the wall defenseless.
However, he doesn't much care.
The dwarf's waraxe appears in his hand, and he swings heavily at the Tinker.
--- Retrieve waraxe from glove of storing as free action. Full attack, Power Attack on Tinker.
Atk 1 hits ac 33 for 35 hp (4 cold) Atk 2 hits ac 34 for 31 hp (1 cold) Atk 3 hits ac 23 for 41 hp (6 cold) Spd atk misses (NAT 1)
DM Carl - Map! d20+19=31 ; d20+29=45 ; d20+29=46 ; d10+22=24 ; d10+22=31 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 10:20:12 PM Tahni tries calling out to the Fleshcraft monster. She knows more than any of her friends what prolonged torture can do to a person, but she has to try, right? It's the proper thing to do, but one look at the eyes of the remaining Talons puts those hope to rest. Nothing remains in those eyes except madness.
Jozhur figures attacking the doctor would be too obvious and moves to protect Tahni should she need it.
Fang and Bralin both attack the doctor. All the attacks make contact and sink into the man like he was made of clay. His flesh immediately heals behind the blades, not so much as a drop of blood ever visible. His clothes aren't so lucky and end up sporting several large slashes.
"Don't worry about the clothes. I have plenty more. Your optimism is inspiring, though! I figured you wouldn't let a little thing like my omnipotence here stop you from trying to kill me." Again, there's not a hint of sarcasm or gloating in his voice.
Aexana summons her treant and changes form.
Terser makes himself big and threatens the doctor. "What consequences?" he asks with genuine curiosity. "Oh, wait a moment." He pulls a pad of paper and pen from one of his pockets. "Ok, proceed with your consequences. I'm ready." He looks at Terser expectantly.
Rill summons a blade barrier around the Talons and advises them to stay put. The creature ignores the advice, stumbling past them in a shambling walk. It moves like it's in a three-legged race with itself. It passes harmlessly through the blade barrier, evidently having some impressive spell resistance.
*I rolled SR for you, then added the +4 I missed from your spell penetration feats. You came up one short. SR is 36.
The thing is upon Rill quickly. The smell coming off it is surprisingly pleasant, a combination of leather and lemon essence. As it walk, it pulls an enormous silver bastard sword from a scabbard of flesh stitched into its back. A sheen of frost wisps off it. Marjorie intones magic as they walk.
Spellcraft DC 24, Highlight to display spoiler: {Summon monster 9}
Despite its size and odd composition, Lummox's skill lives on. It slashes, hitting AC 45 for 55 slashing and 7 frost damage. Gort desperately tries to sink his teeth into Rill, but Lummox's attack throws him off. It's unlikely they won't work in unison next time.
"Ouch! exclaims the doctor. "Here, let me help with that. I already know I can use your altruism against you. I want to see what you're capable of without it." He snaps his fingers and Rill's wound vanishes. At the same time, the Fleshcraft finds itself back at the table.
"Ok, try again! Don't hold back this time."
Rill (MarkB) AC39 T22 F30, CMD 30, HP 219/219 15d20=170 ; 15d6=55 ; 15d6=49 ; d20+15=24 Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 11:40:23 PM
(DM Carl - You had indicated earlier that the thing on the table detected as a construct. Rill can cast three spells that ignore Spell Immunity and Spell Resistance against constructs. If so the thing took 55 points of damage last time he went through the Blade Barrier, and will take 49 points of damage if he does so this round, DC 25 Ref Save for half.)
Rill moves away from the Blade Barrier as he looks at the strange man.
"This man seems to indeed be omnipotent here. And we know he scares even the Gods of the Wold. He can probably even hear what I am saying through these rings."
Rill then says aloud to the man, "You are a bad person by our standards of morals, ethics and decency. You torture others, playing with them as if they were toys. You craft people into abominations. I suppose you were the one that abducted those team leaders only to see how we would rescue them. Are you so bored you just constantly want to see how we will react until you decide to craft us into something like you did to the Talons?
"It appears that what was Lummox, Marjorie and Gort are dead and you have animated their remains.
"I do not wish to play your games anymore. You do seem intelligent though. Please tell us what you want from us. Otherwise we should probably just return to our world, since us being here simply for your amusement seems rather pointless."
Also, what does Deathwatch tell Rill about this person and the thing on the table? Rill was within 30 feet of the thing before he moved.
---------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, Invisibility, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Status - You are aware of direction and distance to the creatures and any conditions affecting them: unharmed, wounded, disabled, staggered, unconscious, dying, nauseated, panicked, stunned, poisoned, diseased, confused, or the like. Once the spell has been cast upon the subjects, the distance between them and the caster does not affect the spell as long as they are on the same plane of existence. If a subject leaves the plane, or if it dies, the spell ceases to function for it." Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Pref. Class Bonus - Add +8 on caster level checks made to overcome the spell resistance of outsiders. Favored Enemy (Undead) - +2 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks. +2 bonus on ranged and melee touch and weapon attacks and damage rolls against undead. Gr. Spell Penetration - +4 on caster level checks (1d20 + caster level) made to overcome a creature's spell resistance. Blind Fighting - Invisible attackers get no advantages hitting you - you don't lose your Dex bonus to AC, and attacker doesn't get +2 bonus for being invisible. The invisible attacker's bonuses do still apply for ranged attacks, however. Life Shield - +1 sacred bonus to saves and AC against all attacks by undead. This saving throw bonus also applies to other attacks that depend on negative energy, such as spells with the Negative Energy descriptor, or attacks from non-undead creatures. Ensorcel - When casting Plane Shift, Blade Barrier, Blindness/Deafness on an immortal (construct or outsider) spell immunity and spell resistance are ignored and only a normal saving throw is allowed, if the spell normally grants one. Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 12:50:54 AM "Marjorie. You need to stop!" Tahni uses her tattoo to create an area of silence centred in the space above the table to prevent her/it from casting.
------------- Spellcraft check vs DC24: Autopass Standard action: Use tattoo to create an area of silence around the table
------------- Spells in effect on self: Arcane Sight ... Barkskin ... Contingency ... Darkvision ... Delay Poison ... False Life ... Freedom of Movement ... Mage Armor ... Magic Vestment ... Mind Blank ... Moment of Prescience ... Overland Flight ... Protection from Arrows ... Roses Temp Control ... See Invisibility ... Water Breathing ...
Defences: SR20 ... Arrow Deflection ... DR10/magic vs ranged weapons ... Counterspell (Gtr Disp Magic) ... Absorb up to 12 energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects ... Absorb up to 101pts magic missile damage ... Spell Reflection 1/day ... Immunity to divination spells that reveal information, all harmful vapors and gases, grapples, poison (temporarily)
Perception: Can automatically see invisible, ethereal, and magical auras ... Dark Vision ... Auto check for unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors within 10ft.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+37=50 ; d20+26=46 ; d20+26=45 ; d6+8=14 ; d6+8=9 ; 2d6=7 ; d6=5 ; 8d6=30 ; Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 1:35:51 AM
Jozhur moves again, to hopefully better intercept the abomination. He's ready to take a couple stabs if it passes by him. His shadow moves to his flank.
Fang (Mitch) HP: -38/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 8:03:11 AM
Fang had expected her attack to have no real effect so isn't surprised. She looks at the construct and considers charging briefly. "No." She decides. Turning to the "doctor" she repeats. "No. We won't play your game. It will only end in more suffering as you destroy more and more lives just to see how we react. This ends now." She puts her axe away and glares at the man.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+25=35 ; Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 1:09:57 PM
Since his friends' attacks didn't seem to accomplish anything, Terser tries a different tack.
He tries to put one massive paw around the Doctor's hand that's holding the pen. initiating grapple - 35 vs cmd
We're not going to be part of your experiments. Restore our friends.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 2:32:49 PM
Interesting approach, Aex thinks, as her friends are refusing to play along in this crazy doctor's game. She also decides not to burn any spells for now and activates her ring of Invisibility.
Leafy and the Staff Treant position themselves between the abomination and the doctor.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC43 T16 F38, CMD 43 HP 260/260) Wednesday March 3rd, 2021 6:31:37 PM
Bralin's waraxe disappears back into his glove.
He regards the Tinker with a sour expression, but says nothing.
The dwarf awaits his reply to Rill's question.
DM Carl - Map! d20+25=34 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+31=49 ; d20+31=50 ; d10+22=25 ; d10+22=24 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d10+28=31 ; d10+10=11 ; 16d8=78 ; d4+9=10 ; d4+9=10 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=4 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=5 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 12:47:46 AM Rill questions the doctor, who listens patiently. "Games? These aren't games, Rill, they're experiments. It's true that I enjoy them very much, but my enjoyment isn't the impetus behind them." Rill asks the doctor what he wants, figuring it would be better to return home rather than play along with his ga...experiment. "I told you what I want, Rill. I want to observe how you proceed. Also, you won't be returning home without this." He reaches into another pocket and pulls out a tuning fork.
Rill's deathwatch shows the doctor is healthy.
Tahni stops Marjorie's spell with a silence aura. She's unable to see Marjorie's face, but the way the woman's arms thrash in the air indicates she is unhappy about it.
Jozhur repositions himself, ready to attack should the opportunity present itself.
Fang refuses to play along and sheathes her axe. "Interesting," comments the doctor. He makes a few notes.
Terser uses his size advantage to grab the doctor's hand in his own. The doctor moves his hand in front of his face, and Terser is unable to resist the movement despite his size. Another pen materializes above the paper and starts writing on its own. "Your actions, regardless of what they are, are part of my experiment. Choosing not to make a choice is a choice. You've heard this before, I'm sure. As for restoring your friends, I could do that. I won't do it just because you ask, though." The doctor's arm blinks and is once again holding the pen taking notes. Terser still holds the original pen. "You may keep that. I have plenty."
Aexana and Bralin also decide they're not playing this game. The doctor's face does not betray any emotion about his feelings on this other than the curiosity he always radiates.
The Fleshcraft did not get the memo about there not being a fight.
OOC: Retconning the blade barrier/SR call from last round, the Fleshcraft took 28 damage last round (reflex save 34). It takes another 25 damage this round. The Fleshcraft has three separate HP pools, and each took damage from the AoE effect.
Lummox's head shows confusion about being back at the table, but charges through again at the nearest target it can see: Aexana's treant. Jozhur attacks as it passes him by, digging deep into Lummox's thigh.
*The construct isn't immune to crits, but is immune to ability drain/damage. It also does not take the 7 damage for being evil since it's not.
The Fleshcraft's sword critically wounds the treant, hitting AC 49 (crit confirm 50) for 47 slashing and 10 cold damage. Gort's head whips forward and his teeth dig into the treant's bark, hitting AC 31 for 11 piercing damage.
When Jozhur's blade sinks in, Lummox's head cries out in pain. His cry is accompanied by a sub-zero blast of cold. Everyone except Jozhur and his shadow, Tahni, and whatever Ae is takes 78 cold damage. Reflex DC 30 for half.
Angry at her summon spell being interrupted, Marjorie raises her staff in the air and 10 magic missiles erupt and streak towards Tahni. She takes 43 force damage total from the missiles. (All the D4s are magic missiles if you need to know how much each hit for).
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 184/219 d20+38=51 ; d20+19=35 Thursday March 4th, 2021 1:58:20 AM
Rill's spell resistance is 20 - did the cold spell overcome that? If so, Rill makes his save, and takes 35 points of cold damage.
He's getting a little cranky.
"Thus far, it appears we have no choice. We came into this with the Gods of the Wold giving us no choice but to play the Chancer's games. Perhaps we can have an intelligent conversation after we play your little game and put this abomination down. Or will that just start another task we're forced to do?"
Rill will cast Animated Disjunction with the construct as the single target of his spell. (The spell ignores spell resistance. If the construct gets a save it's a DC 27 Will save, and it has -5 on it's save.)
Also, Rill looks at the tuning fork the Trickster holds. Is that Rill's? Did he somehow get it out of Rill's extradimensional pocket? Rill reaches into his pocket. Does he have his others? (Perception 51)
Also, Rill is still interested in what his Deathwatch tells him about the construct?
---------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Status - You are aware of direction and distance to the creatures and any conditions affecting them: unharmed, wounded, disabled, staggered, unconscious, dying, nauseated, panicked, stunned, poisoned, diseased, confused, or the like. Once the spell has been cast upon the subjects, the distance between them and the caster does not affect the spell as long as they are on the same plane of existence. If a subject leaves the plane, or if it dies, the spell ceases to function for it." Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Pref. Class Bonus - Add +8 on caster level checks made to overcome the spell resistance of outsiders. Favored Enemy (Undead) - +2 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks. +2 bonus on ranged and melee touch and weapon attacks and damage rolls against undead. Gr. Spell Penetration - +4 on caster level checks (1d20 + caster level) made to overcome a creature's spell resistance. Blind Fighting - Invisible attackers get no advantages hitting you - you don't lose your Dex bonus to AC, and attacker doesn't get +2 bonus for being invisible. The invisible attacker's bonuses do still apply for ranged attacks, however. Life Shield - +1 sacred bonus to saves and AC against all attacks by undead. This saving throw bonus also applies to other attacks that depend on negative energy, such as spells with the Negative Energy descriptor, or attacks from non-undead creatures. Ensorcel - When casting Plane Shift, Blade Barrier, Blindness/Deafness on an immortal (construct or outsider) spell immunity and spell resistance are ignored and only a normal saving throw is allowed, if the spell normally grants one. Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+20 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+20=36 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 3:07:08 AM
Tahni braces for the impact of the missiles but breathes a sigh of relief as her brooch of shielding absorbs the brunt. "10 missiles? I've got to get a staff like that!". There will be time to call 'dibs' later. Hopefully.
She grimaces. Whatever might have remained of Marjorie has likely gone. Tahni stays defensive, trying to stop Marjorie from casting any spells.
------------- Move action: Use Fey Hide Away ability to turn invisible. Free action: 5ft step Ready action: Cast Dispel Magic as a counterspell against Marjorie if she tries to cast something. Dispel check: 36. DC=11+the spell's caster level, so this should counter a spell cast by up to a CL25 caster
------------- Spells in effect on self: Arcane Sight ... Barkskin ... Contingency ... Darkvision ... Delay Poison ... False Life ... Freedom of Movement ... Mage Armor ... Magic Vestment ... Mind Blank ... Moment of Prescience ... Overland Flight ... Protection from Arrows ... Roses Temp Control ... See Invisibility ... Water Breathing ...
Defences: SR20 ... Arrow Deflection ... DR10/magic vs ranged weapons ... Counterspell (Gtr Disp Magic) ... Absorb up to 12 energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects ... Absorb up to 58pts magic missile damage ... Spell Reflection 1/day ... Immunity to divination spells that reveal information, all harmful vapors and gases, grapples, poison (temporarily)
Perception: Can automatically see invisible, ethereal, and magical auras ... Dark Vision ... Auto check for unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors within 10ft.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 161/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday March 4th, 2021 9:27:22 AM
Fang stubbornly sticks to her guns. Or her refusal to use them as the case may be. "So what, we fight this thing, maybe take it down, you take your notes, then you go on to murder a whole bunch of other people just to see what we do about it? No. This is stupid. We're supposed to protect people, not provide you entertainment, and certainly not indulge you and your sick games at the cost of lives and trauma. I refuse to play along as long as doing so just leads to more death and sick experiments. I would rather die or retire to never do anything interesting ever again then continue to futilely work to 'save' people you put in danger on a whim just so you can do it all over again two days later."
She takes the full brunt of the frost cone, not even bothering trying to dodge.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 45/45, channel 7/7) d20+12=24 ; d20+28=36 ; 6d6+19=33 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 11:41:10 AM
Terser looks down in frustration at his hands as the Doctor just ignores his grasp. So much for throwing him into the construct.
While he admires Fang standing by her convictions, he knows that they have to take down the construct if they are to have a chance of restoring their friends.
He oofs at the cold blast, then walks up behind the Treant to hit the construct once.
Rage, Vital Strike AC 39 33 damage (+5 for overcoming DR)
Current HP 273/346 AC 19
Jozhur, Leafy, Treant, Bralin, Fang - you can take the greater rage effect if you like -2AC, +6STR, +6CON, +3 Will Saves, no concentration abilities or dex/int/cha skills
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 184/219 d20+33=51 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 11:57:20 AM
Sense Motive 51 - is this monstrosity trying to attack us, or is it trying to go through us to get at the doctor?
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+10=26 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+20=32 ; 3d6+15=24 ; d8=8 ; d20+23=34 ; 3d6+15=20 ; d8=6 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+20=36 ; 2d8+15=27 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 4:46:35 PM
Oof... Aexair (sorry will update header) watches how the cold washes over her friends. Let's get some friends... here an Earthquake spell doesn't come in handy so Aex decides to sacrifice the spell and cast Summon Nature's Ally XIII instead. Next round the creature will appear...
Leafy Reflex save : 26 - failure Treant Reflex save : 7 - failure
If there's one thing both Leafy and the Treant are bad at it's being nimble enough to avoid AoO's... Both take the full damage of the cold blast. The attacks from the abomination are too much for the Treant and he crumbles to the ground... (thus also destroying Aex's Staff). Leafy is also badly hurt and is down to 30HP. (adjusted Leafy's size on the map. He's a large creature)
Though badly hurt Leafy goes all in. He feels Terser's Rage washing over him and makes a full attack. Slam 1 hits AC35 - damage 24 + 8 Slam 2 hits AC34 - damage 20 + 6 Slam 1 hits AC19 - natural 1 Bite hits AC36 - damage 27
(not sure of the creature is flanked? Else the AC hits are higher)
Bralin takes the full blast of the ice cone, and sighs in exasperation.
The dwarf listens to Fang's reasoning, and nods in appreciation of the beastfolk's rationale.
However, like Terser, he's going down fighting.
Bralin casts a defensive spell, and moves forward, drawing a mace as he moves. He declines Terser's shared rage.
--- I assume that gray box south of FleshCraft is something or somebody?
Cast Shield of Faith, and move around while drawing weapon.
In effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 195/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+26=42 ; d20+21=30 ; d20+16=21 ; d20+16=28 ; d6+8=9 ; d6+8=9 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; 8d6=27 ; 8d6=22 ; d20+28=39 ; d6+8=12 ; d6=2 ; 8d6=26 ; d20+26=30 ; d6+8=11 ; d6=3 ; 8d6=28 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 8:06:57 PM
Jozhur's shadow closes on the monster and he continues stabbing with his swords.
-------------------------------------------------------------- All rolls include +2 flanking bonus, subtract if it doesn't apply First attack hits AC 42: 9 damage, 3 cold damage, 27 sneak damage Second attack hits AC 30: 11 damage, 3 cold damage, 28 sneak damage Second off hand surely misses with a 21 Third main attack hits AC 28: 9 damage, 5 cold damage, 22 sneak damage
Jozhur gets an opportunity attack if an ally strikes an opponent in melee For last round this hits AC 39: 12 damage, 2 cold damage, 26 sneak damage
DM Carl - Map! d20+20=24 ; d20+22=36 ; 6d6=21 ; d20+29=37 ; d20+24=30 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+14=26 ; d10+22=32 ; d20+26=40 ; d10+10=12 ; Thursday March 4th, 2021 11:26:59 PM
The doctor listens to Rill's diatribe. He watches as Rill casts his spell at the construct, though an eyebrow lifts in curiosity. The Fleshcraft's parts start to come apart, but in the end manages to overcome the spell (will save 36).
"That's a common refrain I hear from the Sea Dragons," he starts. "You seem to become upset when your opponents don't do what you say. Tell me, what events set your expectations in this regard? It's typical for an opponent to oppose you, correct?"
Rill searches his extradimensional pocket and finds his tuning fork safe and sound. The doctor grins and chuckles a bit. What a jerk...
OOC: Your deathwatch tells you it is neither alive nor dead and will continue to do so unless something remarkable happens. Regarding your sense motive check, the Fleshcraft doesn't seem to be paying the doctor any mind either way.
Tahni's thoughtful preparation pays off again. She briefly wonders what kind of staff Marjorie's using, but going over the last few seconds in her mind, she realizes Marjorie cast both a regular and quickened magic missile spell. She plays it safe and prepares to counter more spells.
Fang refuses to play along, which fascinates and confuses the doctor. "So many assumptions! You're willing to die for your convictions, but make no effort to discover my deeper motivations, choosing instead to assign them to me. Tell me, Fang. Why do you think I've gone to all this trouble...and it was trouble, I assure you...just for you Sea Dragons?"
Terser would rather go down fighting, so he fights. The Fleshcraft's hide is indeed tough, but he punches through it all the same.
(DR is 15-, so 23 damage to the Lummox bits)
Aexana begins calling in more help as her treant falls to pieces. The injured leafy fights back, and his first two slams and bite all hit.
(Fleshcraft AC is 35, and it is flanked w/ Shadow so I assumed the 34 attack would hit)
Bralin moves forward to attack.
OOC: I assume the gray box is the treant's remains. I'm going to remove it. If you weren't able to attack because of it and wanted to, go ahead and make this round's attack next round.
Jozhur and his Shadow make a good team, and with a full round to attack and Shadow flanking he makes two punishing hits.
The Fleshcraft is not happy, and several wounds ooze a thick green fluid. Before everyone's eyes, they start to stitch themselves back together. It is not enough regeneration to heal it fully, or close to fully, but it's significant.
Perception DC 30, Highlight to display spoiler: {The damage from Rill's blade barrier are the oldest wounds, but are not healing at all.}
Gort's head wails in rage and anguish. Everyone within 30' must make a DC 30 will save or be staggered for 3 rounds. Success reduces it to 1 round of staggered. This is a mind-affecting attack, so Leafy is immune. Not sure about Shadow.
Marjorie raises her staff and slams it into the ground. On contact a wave of force erupts from her and strikes everyone within 40ft for 21 damage, fort save DC 30 for half. Anyone who fails the save is knocked back 15' and begins their round prone. This is not a spell that can be countered and is not affected by SR.
The Fleshcraft turns on Jozhur and presses a full attack. The Lummox part's sword flashes with unnatural speed, making several attacks. Fortunately Jozhur is fast and only one attack connects, hitting AC 37 for 32 damage. Gort's head lunges forward, sinking his teeth into Jozhur and tearing them out. The bite leaves a jagged, ugly wound.
Hit AC 40 for 12 damage. The wound bleeds terribly, doing 12 bleed damage each round until the wound is tended or Jozhur receives any magical healing.
Marjorie starts casting a spell.
Spellcraft DC 24, Highlight to display spoiler: {Time stop}
Tahni's ready for it, though. Her dispel magic counterspells Marjorie, making her three for three in screwing up Marjorie's spells. The wizard's torso lunges at Tahni, but she's stitched into the much larger Lummox and just ends up flailing ineffectually. Her eyes hunger with madness, though Tahni's certain she can see sadness and regret there as well.
In case anyone's curious about the number of actions taken, the Fleshcraft as written has a number of swift special attacks.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 d20+21=30 ; d8=6 ; d20+38=50 ; d20+15=25 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 1:39:00 AM
Rill makes his save against the shock wave taking 11 damage.
He will use a Quicken metamagic rod to cast a Quickened Mass Cure Light Wounds healing Jozhur, Bralin, Terser, Leafy, and himself for 25 points of damage. (Others out of range.)
Rill will again cast Animated Disjunction with the construct as the single target of his spell. (The spell ignores spell resistance. If the construct gets a save it's a DC 27 Will save, and it has -5 on it's save.)
"Tahni, nice work stopping that Time Stop spell! Hey Fang, maybe while you're protesting you could at least heal someone?"
"That thing is regenerating, but for some reason it does not seem to be healing the damage from the Blade Barrier I cast. It was a force spell. It was also a special spell that bypassed the thing's spell resistance."
---------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Status - You are aware of direction and distance to the creatures and any conditions affecting them: unharmed, wounded, disabled, staggered, unconscious, dying, nauseated, panicked, stunned, poisoned, diseased, confused, or the like. Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Pref. Class Bonus - Add +8 on caster level checks made to overcome the spell resistance of outsiders. Favored Enemy (Undead) - +2 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks. +2 bonus on ranged and melee touch and weapon attacks and damage rolls against undead. Gr. Spell Penetration - +4 on caster level checks (1d20 + caster level) made to overcome a creature's spell resistance. Blind Fighting - Invisible attackers get no advantages hitting you - you don't lose your Dex bonus to AC, and attacker doesn't get +2 bonus for being invisible. The invisible attacker's bonuses do still apply for ranged attacks, however. Life Shield - +1 sacred bonus to saves and AC against all attacks by undead. This saving throw bonus also applies to other attacks that depend on negative energy, such as spells with the Negative Energy descriptor, or attacks from non-undead creatures. Ensorcel - When casting Plane Shift, Blade Barrier, Blindness/Deafness on an immortal (construct or outsider) spell immunity and spell resistance are ignored and only a normal saving throw is allowed, if the spell normally grants one. Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+23=33 ; d20+20=35 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 1:48:07 AM
Tahni's happy right now to just impede Marjorie. Sure, she's going to get off a few cheap shots but at least she won't get any big spells out.
"Perhaps it was the force damage, or perhaps it's because it was an area attack that hit all of them? Can't really tell right now."
Tahni retrieves her lesser quicken rod and casts a Haste spell affecting as much of the party as she can. Then she vanishes from sight, waiting to counter again.
------------- Perception check vs DC30: Autopass Fort Save vs DC30: 33 = Pass! Tahni takes 10pts damage Spellcraft check vs DC24: Autopass
Free action: Retrieve lesser quicken rod from glove of storing Swift action: Cast Haste on Jozhur and Shadow, Bralin, Leafy, Terser, and Rill Move action: Use Fey Hide Away ability to turn invisible. Free action: 5ft step Ready action: Cast Dispel Magic as a counterspell against Marjorie if she tries to cast something. Dispel check: 35. DC=11+the spell's caster level, so this should counter a spell cast by up to a CL24 caster
------------- Spells in effect on self: Arcane Sight ... Barkskin ... Contingency ... Darkvision ... Delay Poison ... False Life ... Freedom of Movement ... Mage Armor ... Magic Vestment ... Mind Blank ... Moment of Prescience ... Overland Flight ... Protection from Arrows ... Roses Temp Control ... See Invisibility ... Water Breathing ...
Defences: SR20 ... Arrow Deflection ... DR10/magic vs ranged weapons ... Counterspell (Gtr Disp Magic) ... Absorb up to 12 energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects ... Absorb up to 58pts magic missile damage ... Spell Reflection 1/day ... Immunity to divination spells that reveal information, all harmful vapors and gases, grapples, poison (temporarily)
Perception: Can automatically see invisible, ethereal, and magical auras ... Dark Vision ... Auto check for unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors within 10ft.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 d20+19=25 ; d20+24=39 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 11:23:06 AM
Fang's brain hurts from the roar but she keeps from being knocked down (25, 39). "Of course bad guy's actions make us angry! They're bad guys! They do horrible things that should make everyone angry! You always give them a chance to stop and when they inevitably don't you get mad and cut their head off. That's how this works! But I can't cut your head off so I'm yelling at you instead!
I don't know your motives. You treat this like it's all a game or a science experiment. You clearly care nothing for the lives of others yet dot on us like your favorite toy. I'm not anyone's toy and I will not be played with. You have a good reason for all this madness fine, tell it to me."
She does hear Rill's request for healing so she channels energy to heal everyone in 30 feet (J, the construct, Ae, and SH are out of range)
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) d20+24=32 ; d20+22=26 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 4:45:55 PM Save vs stagger effect (+3 from rage, +8 from mind blank) - 32: success Fort save 26 - fail
Good observation - maybe their lives are linked and will only go down evnly
For now though, Terser will do better to get everyone else moving. He empowers his channeling to heal everyone except Tahni (out of range) and the enemies (excluded via feat).
Everyone else heal 27 and gain Freedom of Movement
Current HP 327/346 AC 19 Channel Cure 1/4 used
Bralin - MikeK - (AC50 T23 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) d20+12=27 ; d20+25=44 ; d20+27=47 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 6:03:53 PM
[Perception 27. Fail Will Save 44. Success. Staggered 1 round Fort Save 47. Success.
-- Bralin is buffeted, staggered, healed, and buffed.
His head spinning, the dwarf works to get into melee range, shield held high.
--- Using extra movement to swing around to J13, and then move straight into Fleshcraft from there.
Fighting Defensively +2 Dodge bonus to AC Mobility Feat provides +4 Dodge bonus vs AoO (AC54 vs AoO)
In effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC Staggered: single move action or standard action Freedom of Movement. Haste: +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. +30' movement.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 191/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+16=35 ; d20+28=39 ; d6+8=13 ; d6=3 ; 8d6=30 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 6:16:13 PM
Jozhur shrugs most of the terrible wail and stabs at the monster again.
-------------------------------- Will save: 35 (pass), staggered one round (or does FoM prevent this?) Attack hits AC 39: 13 damage, 3 cold damage, 30 sneak damage
DM Carl - Map! d20+22=42 ; d20=2 ; d20+29=44 ; d20+29=45 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+19=35 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+14=15 ; d20+26=46 ; d20+26=37 ; d10+22=29 ; d10+22=30 ; d6=4 ; d10+22=24 ; d6=3 ; d10+22=26 ; d6=2 ; d10+10=14 ; d10+10=12 ; 16d8=100 ; Friday March 5th, 2021 11:52:47 PM Rill throws another animated disjunction at the Fleshcraft, but this time it doesn't even flinch (save nat 20). He heals his friends, asking Fang to do the same. He starts making hypotheses about why his blade barrier wounds aren't healing. Maybe it is force damage? The party lacks enough facts to make a solid call, but it's as good a theory as any.
Tahni brings out a rod to cast haste on the party, leaving her main spell free to continue countering the Marjorie parts of the Fleshcraft. She also finds time to go invisible, because the Fleshcraft is not the only being here with lots of fancy ways to do more stuff.
Fang accurately describes the good guy/bad guy adventuring dynamic, then asks why all this is happening. She channels positive energy.
"Because I adore you, Fang! All of you! You're not toys to me...and really, I must insist you stop referring to my machinations as games. It's insulting to yourselves as well as to me and those I've sacrificed to help you." There is no haughtiness in his speech. He seems genuine. "I have spent millennia conquering worlds. I can't remember them all, or even why I started. It's just all I knew. I felt nothing for so long. Can you imagine that, Fang? Going through the motions for thousands of years, experiencing nothing new?
"Then you came along and stopped me!" He practically beams happiness. "It was transcendent, Fang! For the first time in so long I felt alive! You are special, Sea Dragons. I will temper you all into something legendary." His eyes sparkle with the madness of the true believer.
Terser also heals. Goodness you guys have a lot of healing available.
Bralin moves up. The Fleshcraft does attack as he approaches, but Bralin knows how to move up safely. He's in position to attack next round.
Jozhur's head is too fuzzy to press a full attack (no, FoM doesn't prevent it), but still makes a solid stab into the Lummox bits of the Fleshcraft.
Unfortunately, that damage and a little more is immediately healed as the Fleshcraft continues to regenerate.
Marjorie begins casting a spell at Tahni, who recognizes it as a scorching ray. Evidently her invisibility isn't fooling Marjorie. The spell is countered by Tahni, but Marjorie immediately follows it up with another. Tahni finds herself in the middle of a rapidly growing sphere of force.
Telekinetic sphere. Reflex DC 29 or Tahni finds herself caught up in it.
Lummox presses the attacks on Jozhur, this time to significantly greater effect.
Hit AC 44 (crit confirm 45) for 59 slashing and 4 cold damage Hit AC 35 for 24 slashing and 3 cold damage Hit AC 35 (crit confirm 23 - fail) for 26 slashing and 2 cold damage Nat 1
Lummox screams in triumph as he wounds Jozhur, expelling a cone of bitter cold that catches Leafy and Jozhur. It deals 100 cold damage to both (reflex DC 30 for half).
Gort leans forward and takes another bite from Jozhur as well, hitting AC 46 (crit confirm 37) for 26 piercing damage. The wound bleeds, doing 26 damage each round until it's tended or Jozhur receives any magical healing.
If Jozhur was downed during Lummox's attacks, Gort targets Bralin instead.
"It is a magnificent creature, is it not?" the doctor asks over the shrieks of his creation. "The Talons were subdued in seconds. They provided no challenge whatsoever, but here they are in only half their original number challenging the Sea Dragons!" He exhumes pride as he speaks, looking on like a proud parent.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight d20+21=25 ; d20+21=33 ; d20+10=28 ; Saturday March 6th, 2021 1:26:23 AM
Tahni ducks aside as the Telekinetic Sphere passes her by. Ok. Time to get into the fight. "May you find peace, Marjorie"
She calls on a spectral hand spell to help her out by trying to pluck a few flakes of skin from the fleshcraft. If that works, she follows up with a 1-2 combo of spells to try and deliver the Talons to a place of rest.
---------------- Reflex Save vs DC29: 25=Fail! Use Improved Lightning Reflexes for a reroll. 33=Pass!
Swift action: Cast Spectral Hand Standard action: Cast Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog to be delivered via Spectral Hand. Hits TouchAC28. If hit, Fleshcraft now has a -2 penalty on save DCs against Tahni's spells and spell-like abilities, and a -2 penalty on attacks against her.
Assuming it was a hit, follow up with Hero point action: Use Spell Synthesis ability to cast two spells at once... - Glitterdust. No SR. Will Save vs DC23 +2 (EyeOfNewt) +2 (SpellSynthesis) = DC27. Fail=Blinded - Miracle (Animated Disjunction). No SR. Will Save vs DC32 +2 (EyeOfNewt) +2 (SpellSynthesis) +5 (Single Target) = DC41.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) d20+27=33 ; d20+22=38 ; d20+17=28 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+33=43 ; d8+25=33 ; d8+25=28 ; d8+25=32 ; d8+25=27 ; d8+25=31 ; Saturday March 6th, 2021 10:58:13 AM
If Tahni hasn't killed it already, Bralin also gets to work.
He lets go of his shield, which hovers in place of its own accord. Taking the mace with a two handed grip, he begins beating on the body of the fleshcraft.
--- Free Action to loose Animated Shield (rd 1 of 4) Full Attack. Power Attack with Mace of Smiting (Adamantine, Bludgeoning)
Atk 1 hits ac 33 for 33 hp damage Atk 2 hits ac 38 for 28 hp damge Atk 3 hits ac 28 for 32 hp damage Atk 4 hits ac 20 for 27 hp damage Haste atk hits ac 43 for 31 hp damage
In effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC Staggered: single move action or standard action Freedom of Movement. Haste: +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. +30' movement.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp d20+24=37 ; d20+27=36 ; d20+27=40 ; d20+27=45 ; d20+21=34 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+14=24 ; d6+8=14 ; d6+8=13 ; d6+8=13 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; 8d6=19 ; 8d6=24 ; 8d6=31 ; Sunday March 7th, 2021 6:52:04 PM
Jozhur is horrible wounded, but manages to duck Lummox's breath attack. Knowing he won't stay on his feet long without help, he stabs back with everything he has.
----------------------- 21 hp left, bleeding for 26
Will save: 37 (pass, no damage due to evasion) Haste active (+1 AC, extra attack, +1 attack rolls)
Full hasted two weapon attack: One hits AC: 36: 14 damage, 6 cold, 19 sneak damage Another hits AC 40: 13 damage, 4 cold, 24 sneak Another hits AC 45: 13 damage, 4 cold, 31 sneak damage
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Sunday March 7th, 2021 11:09:03 PM
Fang is so insulted and enraged by that little speech that she loses coherence and just tries to cut his head off. Of course it's useless and she's still staggered so mostly it just lets her vent.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Sunday March 7th, 2021 11:12:28 PM
Rill uses the Status effect of the rings to see if Fang is being affected by something. Why would she abandon her team like this? She said she always wanted to be a member of the Dragon Consortium and now she behaves like the rest of us don't matter.
"Fang, snap out of it! The team has made a decision, and it's our teamwork that makes us strong. Are you part of this team?"
While Rill can't figure out what's affecting Fang, he can sense that Jozhur is in real trouble. He will use a metamagic rod to cast a Quickened Blindness spell on Marjorie (DC 22 Fort save.) Then he casts Heal, moves up to behind Jozhur and touches the Rogue, healing him for 150 points.
---------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Status on all, Longstrider, Deathwatch, Tongues, Moment of Prescience, Foresight, See Invisible, Resist Energy-Acid, Spell Resistance 20
Status - You are aware of direction and distance to the creatures and any conditions affecting them: unharmed, wounded, disabled, staggered, unconscious, dying, nauseated, panicked, stunned, poisoned, diseased, confused, or the like. Deathwatch - Range 30'. You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct). Deathwatch sees through any spell or ability that allows creatures to feign death. Sense Outsider - Sense direction and distance to any outsider, fey, demon, devil, or elemental within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Sense Construct - Sense direction and distance to any any construct, animated object, or golem within 1,080 ft., even through solid objects. Pref. Class Bonus - Add +8 on caster level checks made to overcome the spell resistance of outsiders. Favored Enemy (Undead) - +2 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks. +2 bonus on ranged and melee touch and weapon attacks and damage rolls against undead. Gr. Spell Penetration - +4 on caster level checks (1d20 + caster level) made to overcome a creature's spell resistance. Blind Fighting - Invisible attackers get no advantages hitting you - you don't lose your Dex bonus to AC, and attacker doesn't get +2 bonus for being invisible. The invisible attacker's bonuses do still apply for ranged attacks, however. Life Shield - +1 sacred bonus to saves and AC against all attacks by undead. This saving throw bonus also applies to other attacks that depend on negative energy, such as spells with the Negative Energy descriptor, or attacks from non-undead creatures. Ensorcel - When casting Plane Shift, Blade Barrier, Blindness/Deafness on an immortal (construct or outsider) spell immunity and spell resistance are ignored and only a normal saving throw is allowed, if the spell normally grants one. Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 d20+25=34 ; 4d8+12=26 ; d20+36=45 ; d20+25=39 ; 2d8+12=20 ; d20+23=32 ; d20+23=28 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+20=35 ; 2d8+15=31 ; Monday March 8th, 2021 1:50:20 PM
Aex finishes her summoning spell and immediately a gargantuan Purple Worm appears. With it's 15ft reach it can easily strike the fleshcraft monster. With a succesful bite it will immediately attempt to grapple the whole thing...
Purple Worm Bite hits AC34 - damage 26 + GRAPPLE check 45 ( not sure if there's an extra bonus for being more than 1 size category larger)
While trying to grapple the worm also stings...
Purple Worm Sting hits AC39 - damage 20HP + POISON (FORT save DC25 once per round for 6 rounds. 1D4 Strength damage)
Leafy finally is able to move again. Seeing the Sea Dragons struggle he forgets about his own wounds and goes all in..
Leafy Slam 1 hits AC32 Leafy Slam 2 hits AC28 Leafy Slam 1 Hits AC33 Leafy Bite hits AC35 - damage 31HP
Still under the influence of the greater rage Leafy's slams go wide... only his bite sinks deep.
Aex was planning to veer down to Jozhur to patch him up but Rill's beat him to it. There's one spell she had prepared for the magic games... perhaps now's a good moment to give it a try... Still invisible and taking cover next to the pruple worm Aex starts casting Alter Self...
DM Carl - Map! d20=20 ; d20+30=31 ; d20+29=48 ; d20+29=43 ; d10+22=32 ; d10+22=24 ; 3d6=9 ; 3d6=13 ; d20+24=35 ; d20+26=27 ; 6d6=23 ; Monday March 8th, 2021 8:30:45 PM
OOC: Tonight has been an absolute nightmare. I am very angry at the moment, so I'm taking a bone Rob threw me.
Marjorie chuckles as she effortlessly brushes off the glitterdust spell thrown at her by Tahni. She's still chuckling when the Fleshcraft starts falling to pieces. Stitches snap one by one and the parts that make up the once noble heroes fall to the floor. After the fury the Fleshcraft unleashed, it's a almost a shame to see it end in a whimper.
The Trickster practically explodes with joy.
"BRILLIANT!" it exclaims. "Determination! Problem solving! You identified Rill's obvious short comings and corrected them!" It's an unfair conclusion, but it's the one that's been made. "You all failed to bring down my Fleshcraft through traditional means, but I can extrapolate from there. Let's see. Jozhur was almost dead, so the Fleshcraft probably would have finished him off." He points at Jozhur, and the rogue's chest explodes. He crumples wordlessly. "Tahni angered Marjorie and would have been a target for her, but I doubt Marjorie could have bested her. Marjorie would have found a target at least once before she died, though." He points again, and fire engulfs Tahni briefly, leaving her alive but hurting. He talks fast, lost in excitement. "Aexana...no. Bra...no." He chuckles. "I don't know! I don't know what else would have happened." He shrugs and waves a hand across the room. Jozhur and Tahni both stand as they had been seconds before, Tahni unburned and Jozhur's chest whole. The memory of the pain lingers just a moment before it floats away, gone forever.
"You have all made me very happy today," he says with genuine gratitude. "Tell me, what can I do for you heroes? It's not right for me to be the only one celebrating after your efforts."
He awaits an answer. Rill is able to heal up Jozhur, but the Fleshcraft's threat is ended. Fang no doubt still feels compelled to take the Trickster's head off, and succeeds! The Trickster effortlessly catches his head and reattaches it. "You want me ended, I know this. Were I in your shoes I'd want the same, but there is too much to accomplish to let anything so droll as a few decades of service get in our way." He continues to speak in a manner devoid of cruelty or malice, despite the abundance of both in his actions. He looks at everyone, waiting for an answer to his question.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) d20=11 ; Monday March 8th, 2021 9:08:47 PM Why bother with us? Why bother with our friends? With your power, you could create accurate simulacra of all of us to play out this game of yours. You obviously don't care about the real results, since you decided to start playing out how you thought it might go, rather than accepting the outcome.
We played your game. And what you can do is return us all home, in the condition we were before you had the team killed off or captured, and never interfere in our plane again.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 1:16:29 AM “As for what I want, I want the Talons restored to full health and sound of mind, back where they were in the Wold.
“By our standards you have committed horrific crimes. We have no means to bring a creature such as you to justice.
“You are right to praise Tahni - she succeeded where I failed. And maybe that’s where you’re stuck - you cannot fail. Nor can you die it seems. Where I come from, when a soul dies it is reincarnated. This process is overseen by a being named Gargul. Gargul is a god of life and death there, and this process of reincarnation provides a fresh start.
“You’re doomed to an existence that bores you. Come back with us and perhaps Gargul can help you find some meaning and purpose with a fresh start.
“By the way, what’s your name? We keep calling you Tinker or Trickster. Don’t you have an actual name?”
To the others, he silently says, We need to find out what this being wants and if there are limits to his power. Simply leaving gets us no closer to addressing why the gods sent us here. Even destroying this demiplane may not stop him.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Tuesday March 9th, 2021 2:03:16 AM
Tahni starts to frantically pat down the flames on her clothes until they disappear as quickly as they started. Her blistered hands look normal again and she could swear she can still smell burning hair.
The others have clearly outlined the wants of the group. Well, they could include telling this guy what he can go do with himself. She is intrigued by Rill's offer though. Gargul would probably have a special place set aside for someone like the Trickster.
Does she expect him to do any of these things? Of course not.
She continues to check her clothes for any signs of scorch marks and feels her face and hair to check for any residual burns.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 8:16:23 AM
Tired of talking to the crazy person Fang advances towards the construct. She can't attack this round (last round of exhaustion) but she gets in position to full attack next round. (016)
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 6:44:49 PM
Just as the Fleshcraft being goes down, Aex finishes her Alter Self spell. For the first time ever she takes shape of a huge Bronze Dragon... The purple worm also stands quite idle for now... Leafy is seriously injured and moves over to Aex.
Clueless how to solve this mayhem, Aexdragon waits.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Tuesday March 9th, 2021 7:04:22 PM
Bralin stows his weapon, glaring at the Tinker.
He too, awaits the man's answer to Rill's offer.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Tuesday March 9th, 2021 8:47:07 PM
Terser is impressed by Rill's ambition to get more out of the deal than he'd thought possible. Let's see how he reacts.
DM Carl - Map! Tuesday March 9th, 2021 11:48:23 PM Terser asks why the Trickster bothers involving them at all when he can make perfect simulacra.
"You overestimate me, Terser! I can make simulacra that look and sound like you. I can even make some that smell like you! They wouldn't be you though." He thinks a bit about not accepting the result and playing out how he thought it would go. "You may have a point! I'll tell you a little secret since I like you so much: I've been trying to put the lot of you in a situation where you couldn't banish, disenchant, or talk down your opponent. One where you had to beat them down the hard way. Maybe that's misguided! Maybe I'm forcing preconceived notions on you instead of recognizing part of what makes you Dragons so powerful!" He starts writing furiously. "This is good stuff, Terser. Thank you." He's so pleased he lets the fact that Terser called his latest experiment a game slip without comment.
Rill asks for the Talons to be restored to full health and sound mind back on their own world. "Oh...that's easier said than done. I did agree to try and honor your request though, so I'll get as close as I can." He reaches out and a barely translucent violet field engulfs the remains of the Fleshcraft. There is rapid movement inside, faster than your eyes can track. Still, you're able to see the pieces of the Fleshcraft rewind in time. Lummox's arm pops into existence and reattaches itself, as does Gort's entire body. Not much time passes outside the sphere before all three are whole, healthy, and asleep. "There. Just like before I harvested them." He snaps his fingers and they vanish. "I don't have the temporal control on your world like I do here, so I can't send them to your past. Their minds and bodies are restored back, though. I imagine you'll need to explain a lot to them when they wake." It's not immediately obvious what, if anything, has happened to Tasin or Cammie...or Whirrfoot for that matter.
Rill has other points to make, and the Trickster waits until he's done speaking to start answering them. "Like I told Terser, you're overestimating me...and honestly I'm not sure why. You've bested every single thing I've thrown at you, haven't you?" He doesn't wait for an answer before continuing. "...and I'm aware of your gods. I'm also aware they're forbidden from interfering in mortal matters. That's why I've been careful to keep my machinations mundane enough to keep them off me. If you could give me an audience with your Gargul, I'd jump at the chance to speak with him! You're wrong about me being bored, though. I was bored. I'm not now, but I will be again...then I won't be. It's my nature, and I'm not looking for an escape from it. Thank you for your concern, though.
"Trickster will suffice. I don't have anything closer to a name than that. If I ever did, it's long forgotten."
Tahni is no stranger to torture and recovers. She has low expectations for Trickster's response. Maybe she ended up surprised?
Fang moves to attack the defeated Fleshcraft? Maybe she thinks it's about to be rebuilt? If she is, that concern probably vanishes when the Talons are restored and (hopefully) sent home.
Aexana and Bralin wait. If Trickster is concerned about the two gigantic enemies here, he doesn't show it.
The Trickster sighs a long and happy sigh. "This was good, friends. I know you don't agree, and I respect that. I hope in time you'll appreciate what I'm trying to do to you." He smiles warmly "I just want what's best for us all, to see you grow, and to expand my knowledge." He claps his hands twice and a large portal pops into existence. "This will take you home, if you're ready."
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Wednesday March 10th, 2021 12:13:39 AM
Jozhur stands motionless a moment, not quite recovered from whatever had just happened to him.
He's not quite sure what to make of all this. That's it? He just sends us back? I suppose we have no choice but to accept."
If the others enter the portal, Jozhur will follow. He even gives the Trickster a silent respectful nod.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 2:12:26 AM "Come then Trickster, return with us. You said you would like to meet Gargul, so let's go and I'll see what I can do. He was a little sore at me when last we spoke, but I suspect he'd be willing if we ask respectfully."
Rill gestures toward the portal for this Trickster to step through. Hopefully, he'll go through.
He says silently to his friends, "Either way, I intend to use a Miracle and 25,000 gp in diamond dust to destroy this demiplane and then use a Quickened Plane Shift to get back to the Wold. Feel free to step through, because I'm not entirely sure what will happen to us once this demiplane is gone and I can only include you in the Plane Shift spell if we are holding hands."
Rill feels the fork that is tuned to the Wold in his pocket. He hopes for some warning from his Foresight spell, or perhaps his friends, to warn him off if this plan spells disaster.
------------------------- Foresight - This spell grants you a powerful sixth sense in relation to yourself or another. Once foresight is cast, you receive instantaneous warnings of impending danger or harm to the subject of the spell. You are never surprised or flat-footed. In addition, the spell gives you a general idea of what action you might take to best protect yourself and gives you a +2 insight bonus to AC and on Reflex saves. This insight bonus is lost whenever you would lose a Dexterity bonus to AC.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Wednesday March 10th, 2021 2:30:44 AM "I'm the only one with a Planar Adaptation spell, Rill. You don't know where you might be shunted after this place collapses. I'll stick with you just in case"
When it becomes apparent that Rill is ready to cast the spell Tahni will take hold of his hand, but no sooner. She will in turn ready a Planar Adaptation spell to trigger if they find themselves on a plane other than the material Wold one.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 8:36:03 AM
(I missed that the fleshcraft went down).
Fang notices the enemies demise as she approaches and just grunts. She stands there and looks sour as the Tinker undoes most of the damage and exits silently through the portal once everyone's ready to go.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Wednesday March 10th, 2021 6:18:08 PM
Terser has been resisting doing any plotting through the rings, since he's not so sure that the Tinkster couldn't be listening in on those as well. At least while they're on his plane. If he can though, cat's out of the bag, and he might as well get back onto the plane where he knows the rules a little better.
He walks through the portal after Jozhur.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Wednesday March 10th, 2021 6:30:09 PM
Bralin nods at Rill.
He ignores the Tinker.
And walks through the portal after Terser.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 7:22:52 PM
With a couple of spells wasted, Leafy wounded and her staff destroyed Aex is clueless about the next steps... she follows her friends home...
DM Carl - Map! Thursday March 11th, 2021 2:09:54 AM Jozhur decides they have no choice but to accept the portal back. He's wrong, but it's what he thinks.
Rill asks the Trickster to return with them. "Goodness no, Rill. Fang would probably kill me in seconds, even if the rest of you decided not to." He shakes his head. "And I doubt the rest of you would hold your attacks either. No, I'll be elsewhere. Gargul is a god. He can reach out to me if he desires. He's clever enough to figure out how." He pauses, then realizes something. "Little sore with you? Why?"
Rill's foresight spell is clear: dispelling the plane while you're in it is a bad idea. He senses no danger in using the tuning fork in his possession to go home.
Tahni theorizes a planar adaptation spell will protect her, but the learned dwarf realizes that's probably not true.
OOC: Planar adaptation grants you immunity to the harmful environmental effects of a particular plane of existence. As I read it, the spell won't protect you if you pop out between planes. We could probably have a fun debate about this, but Rill can use a miracle spell to destroy the demiplane from back in the Wold. Maybe you want the demiplane destroyed where you can watch Trickster's reaction? Wouldn't blame you there...
Terser worries about the Trickster spying on their communication through the rings, but he's given no indication that's the case.
Aexana feels like she's wasted magic, but that's not fair to herself. Leafy did significant damage, and had Tahni not pulled such a rabbit out of her hat, that worm would have disabled that Fleshcraft handidly.
Fang pops through the portal, followed by Terser, Bralin, and Aexana. They arrive back in the Talons' quarters into absolute bedlam.
Lummox and Gort are on their feet, armed, and squaring off against about a dozen monks. No one looks hurt yet, but tempers are very high. The place is still a crime scene; Gort's feet are already red with blood he probably doesn't realize is his.
"WHAT DID YOU CREATURES DO TO TASIN?" screams an apoplectic Gort.
"YOU'RE ALREADY DEAD! YOU CAN'T FOOL US! YOU'RE JUST ANOTHER CLONE!" comes the reply from a young looking monk. Lummox is about to answer when Marjorie shrieks from her bedroom. Before anyone else can react, Lummox has barreled through two monks on his way towards his sister.
"Dragons! cries a monk. "Thank goodness. Please, help us with these creatures."
Gort gives a harsh laugh. "Everyone knows the Dragons can spot a fake. Isn't that right?" He looks expectantly towards Terser and Bralin.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Thursday March 11th, 2021 8:17:40 AM
Fang makes a calming gesture. "They were dead. We fixed it, cause we're Dragons. They don't remember being dead. Everyone calm down so we can explain."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Thursday March 11th, 2021 4:31:52 PM We should have asked him to fix the rest of the team, and the monks while we were at it. An unfortunate oversight.
There was an attack. It may be hard to understand at first. If you'd like to go yourselves up and go see Whirrfoot on the ship, we can finish restoring everyone else.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Thursday March 11th, 2021 5:40:43 PM
Tahni doesn't want to spend much more time here. She waits to see how Rill wants to proceed but she isn't going to engage in any back-and-forth with the Tinker.
If Rill leaves, Tahni will too.
If he wants to dispel this demiplane with them still here, well, she'll brace herself for it.
------------ Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry, I should have been clearer with my previous post. The Planar Adaptation spell was just in case when the demiplane was dispelled that we were shunted to some other random plane - not the inbetween travel.}
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Thursday March 11th, 2021 5:41:55 PM
Jozhur sniffles a laugh at the confusion, "It's really them. No clones."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) d20+17=19 ; Thursday March 11th, 2021 6:29:56 PM
[Diplomacy 19, 23 on dwarves]
Bralin sighs. "We have partially succeeded in our quest," he announces to everyone. "We have recovered Gort, Lummox, and Marjorie. The rest of the Dragons will join us shortly."
The dwarf regards the mass of monks.
"Unless you be a Dragon or a Talon, you are not needed here. Go outside. Report to your superiors. Or locate a tavern. I care not."
He turns back to Gort. "Friend Gort, the Talons have suffered terribly, but not by the hands of anyone here. Once these others leave, we shall tell the tale."
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Thursday March 11th, 2021 11:07:13 PM
Rill is stubborn, but not stupid. He knows better than to ignore a warning from a powerful spell.
Tahni, we need to step through. Destroying the demiplane while we're here would be ... bad."
Rill feels the dwarf's hand in his. It's kinda nice. Even though it not needed, he holds on.
"Tinker, I am politely asking that should you enter the Wold again that you notify is immediately. And please don't alter or kill anyone there.
"Since you are on another plane, how can Gargul contact you?"
After waiting a moment for an answer, Rill steps though with Tahni. He eventually lets go of her hand.
Rill turns on the Monks. His eyes narrow as he speaks. "Like Bralin said, you monks will leave. Now. And tell that Abbot of yours we need to speak with him."
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday March 12th, 2021 12:41:21 AM
Now back in the real Wold Tahni quickly catches up to speed on what is going on. "Not that I don't trust the Tinker or anything, but any chance you can give the Talons a quick once over to see if they register as constructs, Rill? Just in case"
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Friday March 12th, 2021 1:06:37 AM
Rill will check for constructs and outsiders within 1,000 feet.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Friday March 12th, 2021 9:05:34 AM
Aex, no longer in dragon form of course, raises an eyebrow and scans the situation. All this is so confusing... her head feels like spinning and that's not only from the plane shifts they've been experiencing. While the others deal with this mess Aex tends to Leafy's wounds. She smears some ointments to treat his damaged bark and prunes a few brokes twigs so they can grow anew and strong.
Oh that's rigth... that purple worm didn't come home with them. He was dispelled just before leaving. Who knows what can happen if such a creatures lingers between planes and time...
DM Carl - Map! Friday March 12th, 2021 1:07:00 PM Fang asks for calm, and because she's a Dragon, receives it. The monks lower their weapons. Gort keeps his up but calms a bit. "What do you mean we were dead?" he asks. He feels himself over, not finding a scratch on him.
Terser laments they didn't have the Trickster restore the others. He offers the survivors a chance to meet with Whirrfoot, but that just leaves more questions on Gort's face.
Bralin takes control, and because he's a Dragon, it's yielded to him. The monks seem very eager to leave, and do so promptly when given the chance. Gort drops his guard completely once they're gone. "Ok Bralin, talk," is all he says. The look on his face is worried, but not hostile.
Aexana tends to Leafy's wounds. They are unpleasant, and Leafy is likely in some pain (if Leafy is capable of pain, that is). The care is most certainly appreciated.
Tahni and Rill are ready to go home, but have a last request or two. The Trickster listens, then shakes his head. "Hmm...tell you what. I will not kill or alter anyone else on your world unless I have an excellent reason. I'm sure that doesn't satisfy you, but I can promise you your request has saved some lives.
"And don't worry about how Gargul can contact me. He's a god. He'll figure something out, I'm sure of it. You kids get going now. I'll be around!" He happily waves goodbye before vanishing himself. Guess he didn't feel like responding to Rill's request to not show up unannounced. It was a pretty big ask.
Back home Rill shows the monks some animosity and request to speak with their leader. They start leaving a little faster. Rill senses constructs on his periphery, but no more so than he's felt in the past few days. The Talons are neither constructs nor outsiders.
Tahni feels something in her pocket moments after she reappears in the Wold. Inside is a small glass vial with a cork topper. Inside is a faintly glowing milky white gas that Rill will immediately recognize as a soul. A small note is tied to the vial:
Tasin's soul. It was lost in your world, so it's in Gargul's domain. Resurrecting him or the other two would interfer with his purpose. That would be imprudent of me. Hope you understand! T
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Friday March 12th, 2021 6:03:54 PM
Tahni waits until the non-dragons aren't nearby.
"Uh, guys. We have another problem." She takes out the vial from her pockets and shows the others. "Ok, this is a big deal. If Tasin's soul was in Gargul's domain and now it's here, does that mean the Trickster somehow stole it away from Gargul? If he wasn't in a good mood earlier he's certainly not going to be when he hears about this"
Tahni handles the glass vial with the utmost of care. "So Rill... as the Soulseeker here I'm guessing it's probably best you discuss this with the big guy. It might even get you back in his good books"
She doesn't feel at all comfortable holding the vial, and so cupping it in both hands she extends it to Rill.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Saturday March 13th, 2021 9:28:36 AM
Fang should probably be diplomatic here, maybe spare some of the details. She does not think of that though. "The extradimensional being that has been causing problems, the kidnappings and other events, came here, killed or captured most of your team, and vanished into a demi-plane. He left a way open for us to go after you and after we defeated the weird zombie construct you became he agreed to restore you to before all of that happened."
She crosses her arms grumpily. "I tried to cut his head off but he was invulnerable in his demi-plane." she says crossly. "He could have taken us down as easily as you guys but he's got some insane obsession with us. Thinks he's improving us with his mad games or something. I should be happy we got him to do anything to fix what he's done but I'm just mad we have no real way of stopping him from doing stuff like this for forever."
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Saturday March 13th, 2021 6:40:18 PM
Terser expands a bit on Fang's explanation. We've dealt with them in the past, and there is still no knowing their motives. The best we have been able to do is mitigate the damage they've done. They're like a God, but with no qualms about interfering directly in as many lives as they wish.
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Saturday March 13th, 2021 11:28:44 PM
Rill gingerly accepts the vial and reads the note. "Interesting that the Trickster has the ability to capture a soul. He agreed to not kill or alter anyone else in the Wold, and said that concession saved many lives.
"I need to seek out Gargul's advice on the best way to deal with Tasin's soul."
Rill leave the others to relate what happened. He finds a quiet corner to pray to Gargul, Humbly asking his God what should be done with Tasin's soul and relating all that had happened with the Trickser, including the Tricker's desire to meet with Gargul.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Sunday March 14th, 2021 10:43:47 AM
Bralin gestures toward Fang and Terser, and nods agreement of their words.
"Whirrfoot escaped the initial attack. He may be able to provide you more detail."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Sunday March 14th, 2021 6:03:09 PM
Pestering Gargul doesn't sound wise... if the Tinkerer is able to do that and to get away with it... how then can she and her friends be any match for this guy...
Aex is genuinely concerned but she does not share her thoughts. She only met Gargul once and she does not want to face him again if they need to bring some bad news.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Sunday March 14th, 2021 11:30:04 PM
Jozhur quietly ponders what just took place. This Trickster truly is a very powerful being. He won't offer any further explanation at the moment, the situation seems to be settled.
DM Carl - Map! Monday March 15th, 2021 12:29:11 PM Tahni is very worried about how the Trickster got this soul. Perhaps the player behind her forgot about what happened to Tasin's soul. That's understandable.
Tasin's soul was consumed by a monster during the attack and never made it to Gargul. The Trickster seems to have fetched it as part of his agreement with Rill. The party can't bring him back without Gargul's aid, but at least now that's an option.
Rill remembers Trickster's deal, including the part where the Trickster said he wouldn't kill or alter anyone else in the Wold without an excellent reason. Not quite the same as refusing to do it outright. He sits and seeks Gargul, who will make an appearance closer to the end of this post.
Fang explains the situation in detail to the Talons. Gort starts as he realizes the blood he's standing in is...was his own. Fang is angry that she has no real way of stopping him, but that's not quite true. They haven't found a way to combat him yet, but he's certainly not unbeatable.
Bralin and Terser back up the story, also indicating Whirrfoot is still alive. There's a mixed result from Gort, happy that Whirrfoot is alive, but realizing the statement means others aren't.
Aexana and Jozhur both quietly ponder their opponent.
Gort excuses himself to check on Lummox and Marjorie.
In the solitude he could scrounge up on a moment's notice, Rill reaches out to Gargul for advice. His eyes still closed, he feels the vial being lifted from his hand. His eyes open to Gargul's throne room: a horizonless, eternal expanse of gray clouds and flat rock. A cold breeze constantly blows. The only decorations here are Gargul's throne and a wall of pinned shadows: the sacrifices of his Grims. They each turn to watch Rill.
"The Talons' souls are all accounted for." Gargul nods in approval. "Good. You've done your duty well, Soulseeker." He opens the flask, allowing Tasin's soul to escape. It rushes off in the breeze, up and out of sight.
Gargul listens as Rill recounts the details of their planar travel. Evidently Gargul was not able to keep watch on the Sea Dragons in their absence. He frowns. "I suppose this is good news," he starts. "We were worried this threat meant to move against our world. Turns out they're just interested in one group of adventurers. I will not meet with this Trickster. The gods do not negotiate with terrorists, and to grant him an audience gives him a legitimacy he does not deserve." He looks at Rill, who notices visions of his friends around him, though they're oblivious to the god's eye. He breathes in, then breathes out a glowing green light that flows into each of the Sea Dragons. Power wells up inside everyone as they're infused. "I have faith in you and your companions, Rillet Savenport. You are equipped to handle this." Gargul stares at Rill, allowing a response.
***
Gargul's infusion raises everyone to level 20. Welcome to the end game, everyone.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Monday March 15th, 2021 4:41:35 PM Does anyone else feel stronger after coming back through the portal?
He must have learned something from that construct, since his skin feels thicker and more resistant.
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Monday March 15th, 2021 5:31:40 PM
Bralin nods to Terser, also confused about why he's feeling differently.
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Monday March 15th, 2021 7:37:47 PM
Aex too nods. "It's like it's all finally making sense... the study, the pain, the love... nature."
Journey's end...
Rill (MarkB) AC41 T24 F32, CMD 30, HP 198/219 Monday March 15th, 2021 8:12:30 PM
Rill stands before his god. He keeps his eyes downcast initially. "My Lord, you do me a great honor speaking to me thusly. When last we spoke it was clear that I had displeased you and that you may withdraw from me. I accepted your judgement then as I do now. You are kind to say that you have faith in the Sea Dragons. I am humbled that we would have such favor."
Then Rill then raises his head and regards Gargul respectfully as he speaks. "The tales told of you suggest you have little patience for grovelling and even less for arrogance, that you are plain spoken and straightforward. I pray that you will not mistake my speaking to you now as anything more than a respectful desire to fully understand what you wish of us so that we may be effective in protecting the Wold and the souls in it."
"My Lord, this Tinker said that the Gods of the Wold are forbidden from interfering in mortal matters, and that he has been careful to keep his machinations mundane so as to avoid divine intervention. His current actions however have been egregious and I do not trust him. Can you help me understand the extent of the limits of the Gods with this being so that we can best intervene on your behalf? We were unable to affect him in his home - is that what he meant? Would it have any meaningful effect for me to call upon a Miracle to destroy the TinkerŐs demiplane now that we are gone?
"Do I have your permission to raise any of the Talons that are dead? You have given me the ability to call a soul into an item. Do I have your permission to call any of the TalonsŐ souls into an item to help the Talons and perhaps reunite them that way?
"And one last question if it pleases my Lord, what resides in the sarcophagus that Tencent carries? I fear it may be undead and must be destroyed."
Rill will certainly accept any answers or non-answers. He does not view Gargul as a peer to be bargained with, nor as simply a powerful being. He is honestly trying to balance contrition with the directness he thinks Gargul desires.
RobC - Tahni Wyrmrider -- AC 41/22/36 -- CMD 31 -- HP 218/218+10 -- DarkVision/SeeInvis/ArcaneSight Tuesday March 16th, 2021 2:50:02 AM
Tahni can feel a whole new power rising through her, from the soles of her feet to the tip of her head. She presumes it has to do with Rill's meeting with Gargul.
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 7:52:54 AM
Fang stands there, grumbling, oblivious to the spiritual discussion happening next to her.
DM Carl - Map! Tuesday March 16th, 2021 4:37:52 PM
The party finds themselves filled with power. Some of them are even aware of its source! Aexana in particular seems to be waxing poetic these days. She is no spring chicken, though...
Rill has some questions, but asks them with an abundance of respect. He has not forgotten his station like last time. Gargul, for his part, doesn't seem to be holding a grudge.
He asks about the limitations put on the gods. "Alemi forbids the gods of the Wold from interfering with mortal concerns outside our domains. This is true. That said," he pauses, "we're allowed to exercise our judgement. Most of us have been known to bend that rule when we felt it necessary."
The party blinks, and finds themselves in Gargul's throne world alongside Rill. He does not stop or acknowledge their presence, but continues answering Rill's question.
"Whether this Trickster has warranted my action could be debated, and if I acted it would likely be considered acceptable." Gargul seems a bit uncomfortable. It's not often he's forced to address his limitations, especially with a mortal. Rill doesn't detect any negativity directed at himself. If anything, it's a sign of respect from Gargul towards one of his most powerful servants. "All that is beside the point. IF the Trickster started interfering with my duties he would be dealt with. I am staying my hand for your sake, Rill, as well as your companions. You're among the most elite of your world's heroes. It would not do to have the gods fight your battle. I will give you this advice: you are overestimating the Trickster's strength. He is not a dangerous opponent because of his strength. He is a dangerous one because of his guile. Remember that, and show me you and your companions can match it. As for the box, trust my gifts. The box doesn't block them."
At the question of the Talon's resurrection, he frowns. "The Talons were unprepared for the Trickster's attack, but they shouldn't have been. Look at the precautions you have all taken to protect yourselves while you rest. They should have known better." He claps twice, and the spirits of Cammie, Tasin, and Seabreeze join the meeting. Gargul's voice lowers in pitch and grows in volume, and he falls back into a more familiar presentation.
"SEABREEZE, CAMMIE, AND TASIN, HEAR ME NOW. THE SEA DRAGONS HAVE PETITIONED FOR YOUR RETURN TO LIFE." Seabreeze looks around, then looks at her hands. Her lips move, but no sounds come out. It's easy enough to read her, though: "I'm dead? When did that happen?" Tasin and Cammie have far grimmer looks.
"YOUR CARELESSNESS MADE YOU EASY TARGETS, BUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THIS MATTER WAS NOT OF YOUR CHOOSING. LEARN FROM THIS, TALONS. SHOULD YOUR CARELESSNESS LEAD YOU AGAIN TO MY DOMAIN YOU SHALL NOT FIND ME SO FORGIVING." He claps, and a glowing portal pops into existence. "OUR BUSINESS IS CONCLUDED." It's obvious from his stance and looks that he's speaking to the Dragons too. Shaken, the Talons bow nervously and hastily head out the portal.
Back in the Wold, Tasin stands next to you, still in his night clothes. He pales at the gory scene still here. "Talons!" he calls suddenly, "we're leaving."
Bralin - MikeK - (AC48 T21 F38, CMD 43 HP 252/260) Tuesday March 16th, 2021 5:40:32 PM
Bralin doesn't say anything. Which is typical.
What is not typical is he's far too preoccupied trying to work out what just happened to worry about speaking.
He was infused with power. He was standing before Gargul. He's fairly certain Gargul just charged them with the task of destroying the Tinker. The remaining Talons were berated and resurrected. He's back in the Talon's quarters.
That takes some time to process.
(Brock) Jozhur AC32 / Touch 23 Flat 24--CMD 30--HP 21/195 --Shadow Companion 97/97hp Tuesday March 16th, 2021 7:11:15 PM
Jozhur respectfully nods his understanding to Gargul. He is right, the Trickster needs eliminated before he gets bored again.
He has to try keeping the Talons around, "Tasin, the threat has been dealt with for now. Do as Gargul suggested and be more vigilant."
(StevenVdB) Aexana Gnome (S) HP185/185 - AC29/21/24 - CMD 27 and Leafy (L) - HP108/108 - AC30/12/27 - CMD 20 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 9:17:46 PM
To be more vigilant may be a fair warning for us as well, Aex says softly... but how to prepare for this guy... ´
Fang (Mitch) HP: 170/239(+38 while raging) AC: 30/21/24 (-2 while raging, ) DR 2 (3 while raging)CMD: 36 Wednesday March 17th, 2021 6:17:45 AM
Fang is surprised at the sudden transportation. She stays quiet as the conversation occurs. So he's not as strong as thought... she grins in viscous anticipation.
Terser (Warren) [AC22/13/19 - CMD 30 - HP 270/270, DR 4/-, SR21, Regen 1, Mind Blank] (75% no crit, rage 43/45, channel 6/7) Wednesday March 17th, 2021 12:24:24 PM
It's preferable to be on this side of Gargul's attention, rather than being a soul called back. No less intimidating though. He keeps his mien respectful and bows and leaves as soon as it's offered.
Sounds like we need to be ready for him once you pop his little bubble. He clicks the writing implement he brought back from the Tinker, wondering if it will dissolve with the plane. Is it magic on its own? He asks Tahni to scan it and offer her opinion.
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