Agents of the Darklands: A Campaign for Monsters and Madmen

Game Master thunderbeard

Dungeon map
Party info
Loot list


1 to 50 of 1,049 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>

Rocks fall, everyone dies

The promised meeting place is an ancient, crumbling ruin.

These ruins were once both a church and a fortress, built by a forgotten race and dedicated to some long-dead religious cause. Its mighty walls have long-since crumbled, blasted and burned rocks strewn about as glowing moss digests the last remaining fungus wood support beams, a single stone spire the only structure still remaining.

The Darklands are full of places like this, forgotten and forsaken, and the only unusual thing about these ruins might be the lack of any oozes or monstrous vermin infesting the place.

It is here that the Crimson Stranger has asked you to meet. Perhaps you walked here alone, or came with other members of the group, or teleported through the shadows.

Many of the others look just as out of place as you feel. A Dark Elf who moves followed by a strange, ghostly master. A surface Elf with odd, scaly features. A possessed suit of Armor, decorated with symbols of Asmodeus, that may or may not hold a person inside. A magic weapon that similarly seems to move through the air without a wielder. Beautiful servants of both Hell and the Abyss, who eye each other warily. A fallen Azata, who eyes the other outsiders with an uncomfortable expression. A creature the size of a cat that fancies itself one of the Darklands’ most powerful rumors, a so-called Dracolich.

Perhaps one of you attempts small-talk or conversation, though with this crowd, it might fall on deaf ears. And as you wait, uncomfortably watching each other, you can feel the Stranger’s footsteps approaching.

Note: I’ll be using spoiler tags to post extra details that a very observant character might notice. Feel free to roll knowledge or perception checks about these things either in-post or on your own, if you think you might be curious about them.

Knowledge (history) or Linguistics check, DC 25:

The ruins have a name, and a history, carved into the very stones of the place in faded and worn runes. Escarra, the place was called, or the "House of Eternal Scholarship.”

You may have heard a passing mention to the tale once, long ago, or perhaps you can make out the general sense of the inscriptions, which appear to be an archaic dialect of Ossiriani. Escarra was a peaceful cult of magical scholars, hidden deep underground, who held that knowledge was more sacred than any of the gods. The burned stones and scarred fortifications around you attest to just how much that knowledge helped them.

Detect Magic:

The air around the place hangs heavy with magic. You can’t make out any traces of particular spells.

Detect Magic, Knowledge (arcana) DC 20:

The air around the place hangs heavy with magic. While you can’t make out any traces of particular spells, the sheer volume of ancient magic cast here seems to have sunk into the very stones, exuding a faint but tangible aura of necromancy, divination, and transmutation.

A hint of illusion magic, much newer, hangs in the air.


Lady Adrexa, the Red Queen of Escarra

Unless you have met her in person before, the Crimson Stranger is not as tall as you pictured, or as old, or as strong. Her features are pretty but plain; she wears travelers’ robes the color of drying blood, trimmed with traces of silver. As soon as she speaks, she has your complete attention, and her voice is far louder than you would expect.

"There are few left in the Darklands who know who I am. That is not important at the moment. For now, I need champions—and you are the ones who have answered my call. I thank you for that."

”Some of you are probably curious why I called you here, so I will be brief. There are things I would hire you to do, and for which I would pay well. Important things. This first task is by no means the most difficult, or dangerous, but it may prove a good test of your ingenuity and ability to work together.”

”These ruins sit near a spiraling tunnel, remembered by few. With a little rubble cleared, you will find easy passage to the surface world, on the edge of a small nation called Katapesh. There is a town called Solku to the North-East of the tunnels’s entrance, three days’ journey through gnoll-infested mountains.”

She waves her fingers in a short gesture, and a map falls to the ground in front of her. It depicts the location of the tunnel entrance, the town of Solku, several mountain patrol forts and one large gnoll camp.

”Central to the town of Solku is the Lambent Citadel, which these days serves as little more than a barracks and training ground for paladins of Sarenrae. And currently, the Citadel is host to Navid Duryan, a traveling High Priest of the Dawnflower. He has begun meddling in places that he should not, and needs to be killed as soon as possible.”

She pauses for emphasis here. ”And I mean really, properly killed. Burn the body, or bring me his soul in a soul gem, something to keep him from just being Resurrected.”

”It might not be easy—I do not recommend simply walking into town in broad daylight and fighting your way through the entire defense force. Without a bit of magic to disguise your appearance and hide your alignment, the town’s large corps of paladins will single you out quickly. I can answer a few questions, one from each of you, perhaps, and then I must take my leave. Good luck, and swift travels.”

It is, by far, the most you have ever heard her speak.


35/35 HP, Temp HP 0, 20 AC, Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +7, Reservoir 8/10, Channel 8/8, Active Effects: Mage Armor

The cat sized dragon sits stately on a crumbling old statue, it's faintly glowing purple eyes scanning the group. When the Crimson Stranger speaks, the little dragon nods once.


AC 32, touch 10, flat-footed 28, hp 56, Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +12, Resist cold 5, elec 5, fire 5; SR 19; Per+18, Ini +2 Cleric (Fiendish Vessel) of Asmodeus 5/Diabolist 1

An immaculate set of armor containing only bones steps forward from the shadows. Two small winged humanoid forms flank him.

"I followed the sign and I am here. I am familiar with the priests of the Dawnflower. I will do this task. I have a spell that will trap his soul and make resurrection difficult. However, for good measure we should burn and scatter the body all the same. "

History 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Arcana 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19


Arcana 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
History 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15


Female Succubus
status:
AC 29, touch 14, flat-footed 25; 112 hp, Fort +8, Ref +12, Will +13;DR 10/cold iron or good; Immune electricity, fire, poison; Resist acid 10, cold 10; SR 18; Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect good; Perception +21

Delyliath was sitting on a surviving perching gargoyle with her legs crossed.
Her dark hair falling on her shoulders in the slight hit of a curl.
She watched around her with apparently little interest.
She assumed most of the present were the usual kind of people you may find in such a gathering. Brutish mercenaries, tactless, rude, unrefined.
She had to admit to herself that at a first glance at least some of these participants didn't seem to fit the description, and some of them were curiously and pleasantly odd.
She then payed attention to her patron.. a less impressive figure than anticipated, asking for a less impressive task than anticipated.
A person to assassinate.
Delyliath was by no means beneath that, but she started to wonder if the task was so menial just because the patron doesn't expect much better from a band of mercenaries..
So in the first act since arrival that shows any interest for the meeting she spreads her wings descending from her gargoyle.
"Let's assume..." said before touching the ground "That we might be able to ... redirect.... the high priest attention. Would you find him more valuable to you if he was alive and properly persuaded to a more advantageous cause? Or we shouldn't even bother if the chance arises?"


Status:
Warlord 9 HP 251/251 | AC 46 | T 29 | FF 38 | F +33 | R +34 | W +32 | Init +11 | Per +32 | SR 28

Illia- did look at the succubus warily once or twice. But, really, it was hard to tell who she was most wary of. Given that she currently backed into a corner. On the ceiling. Cowering behind her shield.

This group of people was SCARY!

Illia- took a deep breath to calm herself before. I am better than this, the Crimson Stranger had taught me to be a warlord! Epic and stuff! Go be inspiring!

She peeked up out over her shield. "I... Could.. Um.. Devil Contract him? That's a thing I do, I think. If he's.. You know.. Into that.. Is he delving into evil stuff? Or like, is he a good guy meddling with the evil stuff. I'd be.. Um. Against that?"

Illia smiled nervously, sinking back below her shield, Uh.. Nailed it?


Lady Adrexa, the Red Queen of Escarra

"Yes, Malefeasance, that would be fine. But if you do that, bring me his soul if you can."

Turning to Delyliath, "I don't think that would be possible. I would strongly prefer to see him made an example of."

And, to Illia, smiling slightly, "You could try, Illia, but I doubt he would be interested. The course of action he follows may be harmful to both the god he claims to serve and to the darker gods as well. This is no ordinary priest of the Dawnflower, and I'm fairly certain he could best any of you in a one-on-one fight, which is why you may need to work together, if you can even reach him to begin with."


M Half-drow ghost summoner 7

"You have granted me my freedom. I will of course help." The shadowy figure bows. "But this seems like little information. The name of a city, the name of a building, and the name of a man."

Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Linguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20


35/35 HP, Temp HP 0, 20 AC, Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +7, Reservoir 8/10, Channel 8/8, Active Effects: Mage Armor

Arcana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27
History: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Linguisitcs: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31


M Half-drow ghost summoner 7

Know-it-all....


35/35 HP, Temp HP 0, 20 AC, Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +7, Reservoir 8/10, Channel 8/8, Active Effects: Mage Armor

I'm a dragon. The fact that I'm better than you should come as no surprise. :)


Lady Adrexa, the Red Queen of Escarra

The Stranger grins, properly this time, at the Summoner’s comments. ”Thank you, shadow, for pointing out the root of the problem.”

She twitches her fingers, and the Summoner begins to experience an uncomfortable stretching sensation—it is not painful, but it is not similar to anything else, either. The shadow stretches, distorts, and begins to glow, until it has taken the translucent form of a wiry half-elf in long, priestly robes, sitting in quiet meditation.

She holds the ghost in this form for several seconds, and then he snaps back to his normal form. ”And his face, as well. Navid Duryan wears no disguises, uses no false names, but he is nevertheless a master of nondetection. I know his name, his looks, his location, and little else—but that is still far more than the others who might seek him have been able to find."

As she continues speaking, there seems to be a hint of regret in her voice. ”There is little else I can do without leaving the Darklands, which at present would not be possible.”

And then, after a few seconds of thinking, she adds an afterthought. ”But I can tell you what else I know about the city. It has been many years since I laid eyes on Solku, and the Lambent Citadel is not familiar to me. The city walls, however, are quite old, and unlikely to have changed. There are four gates, the main one facing East, and the walls are now most likely manned day and night by paladins of the Dawnflower, in expectation of a large attack from the Gnolls of the surrounding mountains.”

"There are, at most, four or five thousand residents within those walls, but the times have turned violent, and the city guard likely numbers in the hundreds, with several dozen traveling paladins among their number.”

”And that is all the tactical knowledge I have to offer. I hope it is enough, and I hope you understand why I have no better instructions to give.”


Status:
Warlord 9 HP 251/251 | AC 46 | T 29 | FF 38 | F +33 | R +34 | W +32 | Init +11 | Per +32 | SR 28

"Oooh.." Illia- seemed somewhat disappointed at the response, but quite happy that the turn down happened with a smile and not, you know, being thrown through a wall, or shot full of flaming arrows. All in all, the fact that the Crimson Stranger smiled at her seemed to fill Illia- with confidence.

"Well.. Hmm.." Illia- stops and thinks for a moment before pulling out a bright copper tone ribbon and tying it in a bow into her hair.

"Alright, new magical thingie! Make me look like a celestial again!" She commanded her bow.

One could almost feel the magical item shrug as it turned her wings silver. Considering how fair Illia- looked and how graceful and smooth her armor was, that was really all that was necessary to turn her from Erinyes to Angel.

"Huh.. Less impressive than I had hoped." Illia-, for her part, seemed disappointed.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Illia- waved her sword hand, saying some words in celestial, and symbols started appearing around her, hopefully identifiable as the Dawnflower's.

"I was thinking I could fly around the sky throwing these everywhere. Make them think it's some kinda good omen or message. Make sure every paladin is looking up rather than inside the city. Then, when you need me, just give me a message and I'll port in."


35/35 HP, Temp HP 0, 20 AC, Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +7, Reservoir 8/10, Channel 8/8, Active Effects: Mage Armor

"Too obvious." a dry voice said from everywhere and nowhere, echoing inside the minds of all present.

"It would be best to avoid grandstanding. The more people who are curious, the more likely it is someone will resort to divinations to learn something. It would be better if they simply were not aware until it was too late to do anything productive."

"The disguise is good. You could claim to be in service to another disguised member of our cadre. Powerful priests and paladins often have celestial allies."

The little dragon eyed the rest of the group clinically.

"The question is, who among us would be most believable as a cleric of Sarenrae?"

This sounds like a job for our resident succubus. She has our most impressive bluff score.


Status:
Warlord 9 HP 251/251 | AC 46 | T 29 | FF 38 | F +33 | R +34 | W +32 | Init +11 | Per +32 | SR 28

"Oooh.. yeah.. Hadn't thought about that." Illia- doesn't fight the counterargument for even the slightest moment, and nearly deer-in-the-headlights until Anaxian's compliment about her disguise.

"Though, if I'm up close, I'll need to buy some castings or scrolls of undetectable alignment, and someone to use the scrolls for me if we go that route."


Female Half-Dragon Elf

God damned ninja'd twice
Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

The elf looks behind her at the others, the grave night in particular, "I don't think you'll be able to distract a city full of the dawnflower's sheep from big nasty over there for too long." She throws a smile in Illia's direction, one that's toothy and full of sincerity, "But keep this in mind, its cute."

Iranaset shakes for a moment, hearing the voice in her head, nodding as she agreed with it. "Well, a cleric would be nice, but a follower doesn't necessarily have to be that. I say we just all ask for shelter as travelers, set up camp in a local inn, and use that as a base to figure out how we'll tackle the man himself."

She looks over toward Anaxian. "You can even be my play familiar, handsome." she says, winking at the dracolich.


35/35 HP, Temp HP 0, 20 AC, Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +7, Reservoir 8/10, Channel 8/8, Active Effects: Mage Armor

"It would not be the first time." the voice said with a sort of mental shrug.

That one bears draconic blood. I wonder if it would be enough… No. I am under contract. Perhaps once this is all finished…


Diamond (CR +2) Soulbolt 7 (HP: 151/81; AC 16*; Fort 7 - Ref 10 - Will 10; Perception +15)

Those in the room hear a voice from the center of the room. None stand there, but the glittering diamond blade becomes faintly luminescent, its glow pulsing to the cadence of the voice.

"Slaying a well-guarded zealot. I agree with the small one. Subterfuge is key in an assassination. I will view his heart first-hand."

The sword slowly oscillates in place.


M Half-drow ghost summoner 7

"Clerics, though, are often granted privileges unavailable to the masses of pilgrims." The ghost's accent is old-fashioned and somewhat strange. "A private room might be useful, in case preparations needed to be made. Even a paladin --- for who would question one of the Dawnflower's enforcers?" The ghost stops, apparently lost in thought for a moment.

"More than a disguise, we need a plan. And for a plan, we need knowledge. It may be that the best way to this man's chambers is to possess the young girl who brings him breakfast, and leave him a dagger in his morning oatmeal. It may suffice to lock his chamber door and bury it under a wall of flame. Or a more...." another pause "traditional approach may prove necessary.

"I know only that I don't know." Hey, someone's got to make the gnomic pronouncemments, yes?

Oh, BTW -- I have like three more posts before I cease being able to change this guy's name. I'm figuring he literally has forgotten it, but if someone has an issue with that, speak now or forever hold your tongue....


AC 32, touch 10, flat-footed 28, hp 56, Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +12, Resist cold 5, elec 5, fire 5; SR 19; Per+18, Ini +2 Cleric (Fiendish Vessel) of Asmodeus 5/Diabolist 1

Having stayed silent for the most part Malefeasance's black armor melts to a high gloss steel. His crest changes to that of Sanrae, His clothes and boots that were once frayed now look pristine and well kept.

"I can pose as a cleric. I can cast a spell to skew divinations. In addition I have two invisible spies to go ahead of us and gather intel. These are my contributions if they are required. "


Status:
Warlord 9 HP 251/251 | AC 46 | T 29 | FF 38 | F +33 | R +34 | W +32 | Init +11 | Per +32 | SR 28

Illia- smiled back at Iranaset when she was complimented.

Later, when The Summoner's Ghost made with the koans, Illia could be seen doing what appeared to be similar to math on her fingers, thoroughly bewildered.


Female Succubus
status:
AC 29, touch 14, flat-footed 25; 112 hp, Fort +8, Ref +12, Will +13;DR 10/cold iron or good; Immune electricity, fire, poison; Resist acid 10, cold 10; SR 18; Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect good; Perception +21

well... Says the succubus while ruffling Illia's hairs
"there is one thing this cute little naive thing is right about.
Most of you are in need of a serious makeover."

She turns to the tiefling asking
"you believe you can tend to all that need disguising? I don't know how many are divination proof aside me."
she rises her hand with the ring as she could have raised a cup full of wine, looking at their patron who gifted her the ring in the first place.
"Now .. I think that trying to be all clerics of Sarenrae would be silly, and quite frankly, the more try to pass for Sarenrites the more chances we have to betray ourselves. What about local heroes? We can incite local Gnolls to attack the city, and save it all by ourselves.
Once you have the locals favor nobody would question your intentions.
If our high priest is indeed trying to investigate some evil plan he might be even willing to hire us."


Status:
Warlord 9 HP 251/251 | AC 46 | T 29 | FF 38 | F +33 | R +34 | W +32 | Init +11 | Per +32 | SR 28

Illia, distracted with her hands and the koan, was utterly taken by surprise when the slightly shorter Delyliath reached to her hair. Her body tensed in paralysis, as though in Pavlovian response to some terrible threat.

And then as Delyliath turned away, Illia relaxed but stayed in place, as though processing why something painful hadn't happened.


AC 32, touch 10, flat-footed 28, hp 56, Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +12, Resist cold 5, elec 5, fire 5; SR 19; Per+18, Ini +2 Cleric (Fiendish Vessel) of Asmodeus 5/Diabolist 1
Delyliath wrote:

well... Says the succubus while ruffling Illia's hairs

"there is one thing this cute little naive thing is right about.
Most of you are in need of a serious makeover."

She turns to the tiefling asking
"you believe you can tend to all that need disguising? I don't know how many are divination proof aside me."
she rises her hand with the ring as she could have raised a cup full of wine, looking at their patron who gifted her the ring in the first place.
"Now .. I think that trying to be all clerics of Sarenrae would be silly, and quite frankly, the more try to pass for Sarenrites the more chances we have to betray ourselves. What about local heroes? We can incite local Gnolls to attack the city, and save it all by ourselves.
Once you have the locals favor nobody would question your intentions.
If our high priest is indeed trying to investigate some evil plan he might be even willing to hire us."

"When next I pray I will be able to disguise the alignment of five plus myself. "

(I can prepare undetectable alignment 5 times and nondetection once. )


Female Half-Dragon Elf

To recognize what Dely is
Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"I like the way you think... Bat-girl." Iranaset says, casually pointing a finger toward Delyliath, "A few of us can get in, set up shop, and then bring in the others under the cover of night. I mean who wouldn't let a face like that-" she then points to Illia, "or that in? On top of that, Bats has a point. Pretending to be non-casual observers of a faith among non-casual observers seems like a blood bath waiting to happen... Actually that sounds pretty hot when I say it out loud. Lets go in pretending to be priests."

The elf begins chewing on a nail, hardly containing her giddiness.


Lady Adrexa, the Red Queen of Escarra

The Crimson Stranger has not yet spoken to Iranaset, but responds to this point. "Sarenrae is a goddess of patience, compassion, and redemption. More than any other surface god you may be familiar with, her priests and paladins are likely to treat strangers and travelers kindly, regardless of their piety."


Female Succubus
status:
AC 29, touch 14, flat-footed 25; 112 hp, Fort +8, Ref +12, Will +13;DR 10/cold iron or good; Immune electricity, fire, poison; Resist acid 10, cold 10; SR 18; Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect good; Perception +21

"I'm no bat-girl. I'm a succubus... Sorry for not pointing that out sooner but ... I naively thought I was the most obvious to recognize among this motley crew.
You can call me Delyliath."

Said offering her hand to Iranaset.
"And as a Succubus infiltrating into town, for me, will be no problem at all. I could just snatch a local, learn everything I need to learn from her, kill her and take her appearance. I can pretty much become everyone I want in that town. But that's my abilities and I'm sure that most people are not so well equipped for infiltration. Bringing people over with the cover of the night might work... but it's a little more risky than what I would like."
Delyliath looked at her new companions.
"If we are to work together there is no point in being shy or reserved... we need to know who we are... what we are capable of... and at the very least we should know how to call each other..
I told you what I am and what is my name.... your turn..."


35/35 HP, Temp HP 0, 20 AC, Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +7, Reservoir 8/10, Channel 8/8, Active Effects: Mage Armor

"The idea of setting ourselves up as heroes has merit. That may open doors to us that would otherwise be closed." the little dragon's voice echoed in everyone's mind.


Status:
Warlord 9 HP 251/251 | AC 46 | T 29 | FF 38 | F +33 | R +34 | W +32 | Init +11 | Per +32 | SR 28

Illia perked up when she was pseudo-addressed "Oh? My name is Illia-ack, wait, um.. Uh, I'll just stop there. Uh.." Illia's eyes widened as she very nearly once again revealed her entire true name. She'd been with other Erinyes for so long without a mission she'd kinda forgotten that not everybody knew her true name. "I'm an Erinyes. I've got the Devil stuff... And I'm really hard to kill." Moving on as quickly as she could, she tapped her shield for emphasis on this last point.


M Half-drow ghost summoner 7

"I am.... myself. For centuries I have been trapped in the Tower of Pain, unable to set foot beyond its threshold. For recompense,... and a very slight recompense it is,... I have had access to one of the best libraries of drow magic as it was a millennium ago.

"Aranix, here, is my greatest servant, brought to this plane by the power of my will. She is my hands, my voice, and the staff upon which I lean. But I have other, lesser servants, less biddable, who can do other things. All are useful, but some of them are not pleasant to look upon.

"As to what I can do.... I do not fully know. There is much that I have not tried. I can cloud minds and walk among the living unseen. I can move bodies as puppets to my will. I can forge mighty works of thaumaturgy. I can conjure light in the darkness and darkness in the light. I can destroy the very bonds that hold a creature's mind to its soul, and leave him a shivering wreck or rotting corpse. But there is also much I have forgotten."


Status:
Warlord 9 HP 251/251 | AC 46 | T 29 | FF 38 | F +33 | R +34 | W +32 | Init +11 | Per +32 | SR 28

"Hi, Myself!" Illia waved cheerfully.

"Um. That's actually kinda awkward to say." Illia contemplated this, setting her chin on her free hand.

"Oooh, I've got it! I'll call you Myse for sort!" She seemed quite happy with her solution to the problem.


Male Alacritous Bralani Stalker 5/Umbral Blade 4

Among those present is a silver haired elf, whose long hair seems to dance about as if blown by a wind that does not exist. He wears mithral chain armor, and has a bow strapped to is back. Those familiar with the planar races would recognize him as a Bralani.

He listens to the back n forth between those he is to work with, along with the words of his current mistress. And he laughs, a bright, happy tinkling sound "You talk of disguises and trickery when such is not truly necessary. I can easily pose as exactly what I am, an Azata, sent from the Dawnflower herself to aid the town in its darkest hour. Or some such similar nonsense. Whatever they need to be fed to believe the lie."


AC 32, touch 10, flat-footed 28, hp 56, Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +12, Resist cold 5, elec 5, fire 5; SR 19; Per+18, Ini +2 Cleric (Fiendish Vessel) of Asmodeus 5/Diabolist 1

"I am Malefeasance. Cleric of the lord Asmodeus. I exist until he has need of my services again. I have spells through the third sphere. My presence hinders use of healing magics. I command the fires of the pit. Also, I have servants. " he motions to the small winged red humanoids that are flanking him.


Female Half-Dragon Elf

"A succubus? Kinky. Also names have power across the planes. So it is surprising, you would give yours up so freely." Iranaset says, taking the succubus's hand. "Call me Iranaset. Simply."

Do I know what an Azata is...
Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Her attention turns the the Azata as she lets go of the succubus's hand and places it on her hip, "Well... I think you meant to say such is not truly necessary for you. We weren't all made celestials, and some of us actually have to put in some work here!" she rolls her neck as she speaks, mocking him while maintaining her all but threatening tone.


Female Succubus
status:
AC 29, touch 14, flat-footed 25; 112 hp, Fort +8, Ref +12, Will +13;DR 10/cold iron or good; Immune electricity, fire, poison; Resist acid 10, cold 10; SR 18; Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect good; Perception +21
Iranaset Maior wrote:
"A succubus? Kinky. Also names have power across the planes. So it is surprising, you would give yours up so freely."

"I'm surprised you believe I would... My true name is way beyond three syllables. that's a diminutive..."

The succubus next turn to the Azata.
"I won't say you need a disguise, but if I were you I would avoid announcing myself as someone sent by the Dawnflower. Unless you want to operate under more scrutiny than necessary. You look elvish enough to not attract questions. Just don't give grandiose answers until someone ask for them."

A motley crew indeed thought the succubus.
She had no doubts about her motivations. The red gave her a nice little trinket and promised more to follow. Likely, all the people gathered where there for the same reason.
Not for idealism, but for hard cold wealth.
But she started to wonder were anyone chips would fall if things started to get personal.
The tiefling announced himself as a servant of Asmodeus.
Something that in her book was among the worst cults in existence.
She would keep things professional but she started to wonder.
What are the aims of someone who employs both Azatas, Succubi and cultists of Asmodeus?
There was only one way to find out ... make sure that they were able to see this mission through and see where it leaded them.


Female Half-Dragon Elf

Iranaset moves a stray lock of hair from her face and looks around. "So how are we getting there? Considering the exposition some of you lords and ladies have been so kind as to provide us, I'm pretty sure one or two of you can get us to the surface without much effort."


Status:
Warlord 9 HP 251/251 | AC 46 | T 29 | FF 38 | F +33 | R +34 | W +32 | Init +11 | Per +32 | SR 28

"Well.. I'm not sure what the way is. I just got to this plane a bit ago." Illia- seemed slightly confused by Iranaset's question/suggestion.

"But if someone wants a lift, I fly while carrying several hundred pounds pretty much forever."


Lady Adrexa, the Red Queen of Escarra

The Crimson Stranger shakes her head. "Ah... perhaps I was not clear enough." She waves her and, summoning forth a ball of light, which she sends off into the distance where it disappears with a rumbling sound.

Anyone with low-light vision and a decent perception score—which I believe is about half the group—should be able to see (and report to the others) that the Stranger's spell toppled a small rock formation several hundred feet away, revealing what looks to be a narrow staircase carved into the cave's wall.

"And now, I must be going," she says. "Try not to disappoint me. I'll meet you here when the task is finished, hopefully soon."

And then the Crimson Stranger vanishes. She makes no gestures, and speaks no incantations. There is no puff of smoke, whoosh of air, or slow fade away—she has just ceased to exist in this present location.


Rocks fall, everyone dies

Alright, just about time for a scene change. I figure the characters may very well camp out at the ruins long enough to memorize any desired change of spells, voice any concerns they may still have, set their disguises, and make any final preparations.

Meanwhile, if anybody has sufficient skills at tracking or wilderness survival, the party can try to seek out or avoid the mountain gnolls. If any of the many flying characters want to scout ahead, either to see what's on the road or check on the state of the city, that might also be an option.

Technically, though they don't need sleep, outsiders can still get fatigued from walking more than 8 hours a day (I think). Minor healing can remove this fatigue, so if the cleric decides it's worth it to use his daily channeling to heal off fatigue, you could probably travel about twice as fast as normal and reach Solku in a day and a half.


Diamond (CR +2) Soulbolt 7 (HP: 151/81; AC 16*; Fort 7 - Ref 10 - Will 10; Perception +15)

"I am called Shimsil, " says the voice from the sword, which looked to be carved from a single diamond of immense size, "and woe be to the undeserving hand that wields this blade. Where once I stole artifacts, I now usurp will of men. My cursed form has become a blessing through sheer will, and it has granted me willing entry where once I had to trespass. Such has allowed me to steal life, as well."


Female Half-Dragon Elf

A giddy squeal erupts from the Elf's direction. "So long since I've seen the sky!" she exclaims, tarnished wings erupting effortlessly from her back as the words come out. She spins on her toes as ten-foot wide wings stretch and move around her, eventually lifting her into the air in a powerful gust. Anyone paying attention notices the open flesh from which the wings burst from, though Iranaset does not seem to be in pain. Her legs dance on the air, balancing her in a twisted ballet motion.

She looks at her new partners, "I'm going up to take a look. Who's coming with me?" she says, looking around for literally a second before adding "Too slow! I'll see you up top!" She builds up power and swoops up the stairs, shooting out of the tunnel entrance and into the night? sky.

Going to take a look around, circling above tree level to see what I can tell about the immediate area we emerge into (maybe looking about a mile in each direction)

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17


Rocks fall, everyone dies

Iranaset (and everyone else, whenever they get up there) doesn't see a whole lot. The tunnel entrance opens up into a cave behind a small waterfall, which runs into a creek. It is night time, and the stars shine brightly in the cloudless sky of Katapesh, but the moon is not bright tonight.

There is a makeshift road that runs alongside the creek. It is not heavily traveled, but there is little in these mountains to overgrow the road other than short, brown grass. The road is more rocks than dirt, a path worn down through the rough stone that makes up much of these mountains. In the distance, the outline of jagged peaks and small canyons can be seen.


M Half-drow ghost summoner 7

"So, straight to the city, or do our strategists want to scare up trouble with the gnolls first?" It's not clear whether "strategists" is in scare quotes or not.


AC 32, touch 10, flat-footed 28, hp 56, Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +12, Resist cold 5, elec 5, fire 5; SR 19; Per+18, Ini +2 Cleric (Fiendish Vessel) of Asmodeus 5/Diabolist 1

Mal exits the chamber. "Kodo, Podo, Scout." he says to the imps. With a nod they vanish. Invisible and flying around.

Turning to whomever else happens to be there
"Gnolls or city?"


M Half-drow ghost summoner 7

"I'd suggest city." Another pause. "There's more to learn, including where and how to contact the gnolls. There may also be a more direct path to our ultimate Shangri-la that we may discover."


Female Half-Dragon Elf

Iranaset lands, having had her fill of the night sky. Her wings recede, closing the wounds in her back behind them and she crosses her arms. "I thought I'd be able to see the city from up there." she says with a pout, [b]"All of those people and their flesh... I will enjoy making them bleed, and I'll enjoy making them love it when I make them bleed."

She snaps back to attention as Mal and the ghost speaks. "Yes, city! Feral humanoids are the boringest of the boring."


Status:
Warlord 9 HP 251/251 | AC 46 | T 29 | FF 38 | F +33 | R +34 | W +32 | Init +11 | Per +32 | SR 28

Illia- proceeds to activate her greater teleport over and over to traverse on average 310 ft per six seconds, as she catches up to the crew. She stays 130 ft above the ground. In this manner, by traveling for less time at higher speeds, she could keep up with the undead if they wished to travel at all times. It would mean she would be separate from the group occasionally, but also meant she would be scouting ahead.

Perception Checks vs any Encounters on the way: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 321d20 + 21 ⇒ (12) + 21 = 331d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35
Stealth Checks vs any Encounters on the way: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 221d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 281d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23

Don't exactly have cover, but not everyone would be able to see me against the sky/watching the sky, especially since she'll go ahead and turn her wings dark again until she gets close to the city.


Female Succubus
status:
AC 29, touch 14, flat-footed 25; 112 hp, Fort +8, Ref +12, Will +13;DR 10/cold iron or good; Immune electricity, fire, poison; Resist acid 10, cold 10; SR 18; Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect good; Perception +21

"definitely city. we need to settle in. Being heroes can help us getting near the high priest,but that comes later. first we have to blend in..."
While talking to her companions, Delyliath started to change. Gone are the horns and all her inhuman traits. She still looked like herself, but she seemed human now.
She looked at herself. Her apearance was still more exotic than she wanted. In her sucubus form she was less than prude, and her clothes looked like something an exotic dancer,or prostitute, could wear.
I'll get some new clothes... wait form...it should't take long"

I wanted to greater teleport to the river kingdoms, a place I know how to navigate and where I probably have some established alternate identities. buy an outfit for a young boy and morph into one cute little sixteen years old boy. Can I assume I succeed in the task without obstacles?


Male Alacritous Bralani Stalker 5/Umbral Blade 4

When it comes time to travel, the Bralani assumes his wind form which is a swirling cloud of dark dust, and is easily able to keep pace with the group Fly speed of 100ft(Perfect) and able to stay in it indefinitely

1 to 50 of 1,049 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / Agents of Darkness Gameplay All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.