Dain's King Maker Chronicles
Game Master dain120475

Ariarh considers the situation before them. It made no practical sense to have every party member or majority fly over the pit of the volcano on Caliphana for if something were to happen, then they would all be dead and the rescue mission will have failed miserably.

"Thank you for the offer of being carried across by Caliphana, Arasmes, however I think Dior and I shall make our way over to the other side on foot. They may not be expecting the party to divide between air and foot and it may give us an advantage, as well as split the chances of us being destroyed all at once."

Addressing the priestess, "Priestess Isani, I thank you for the consideration and would gladly accept such warding once we have drawn closer."

Ariarh (and Dior) will move up, steadily and stealthily to just behind Brett. Her position is -B28, Dior is on -B26. "What do you think, Brett? Do we stand a chance of getting to Anuk-su in time?" She is worried about the safety of all the party. Her ward and the silver kobold guard should not have absconded on their own. She wished they had waited and mayhap this may been averted.

Ariarh has no spyglass but uses her sight to see more of what is ahead of them for herself, Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 (minus whatever penalties are incurred from this distance and with the mist/vapours)

Of course. I merely wish to get to her as quickly as possible for we know not when the sacrifice will occur. With that he gathers those coming with him, enlarges Caliphana and takes off across to the ritual.

If Shae wants he can levitate and come being drawn across.

Can Kae undertake an augury and talk to his Ancestors to discover more re good or bad actions before we charge off to rescue Anuk-su from the ritual?

Ariarh considers the situation before them. It made no practical sense to have every party member or majority fly over the pit of the volcano on Caliphana for if something were to happen, then they would all be dead and the rescue mission will have failed miserably.

"Thank you for the offer of being carried across by Caliphana, Arasmes, however I think Dior and I shall make our way over to the other side on foot. They may not be expecting the party to divide between air and foot and it may give us an advantage, as well as split the chances of us being destroyed all at once."

Addressing the priestess, "Priestess Isani, I thank you for the consideration and would gladly accept such warding once we have drawn closer."

Ariarh (and Dior) will move up, steadily and stealthily to just behind Brett. Her position is -B28, Dior is on -B26. "What do you think, Brett? Do we stand a chance of getting to Anuk-su in time?" She is worried about the safety of all the party. Her ward and the silver kobold guard should not have absconded on their own. She wished they had waited and mayhap this may been averted.

Ariarh has no spyglass but uses her sight to see more of what is ahead of them for herself, Perception: 1d20+11 (minus whatever penalties are incurred from this distance and with the mist/vapours)

Brett hands you the spyglass and you can see that the figures by the base of the statue are robed - further; you can also see that - for the most part - their backs are to you. You see two figures on the ground, and you believe one of them is Anuk-su - you cannot be sure what the other is - but it looks humanoid.

FYI -

Guys - I cannot say this enough - please be careful - there is a strong possibility that this encounter can result in death for party members - you have no members of your party who can raise the dead at this time.

You have left without Blessings - and are currently flying over lava - there is a 200 foot radius to the lava cone - when you get half way across it - it could be problematic. This doesn't even count what happens when you get there.

Please, please, please be careful.

Also - where is Shae, Kae and Clari at this time? Finally - Ras - can you toss up where your coordinates for Cali - and those one her - will be at this time? Thank you! Remember - currently you are no further then 200 feet from the southern edge of -X

Okay - what happens next? Please let me know, gang - we'll be going round by round until next Sunday. You all have your battle map - so... good luck!

Okay - you can wait until you do something with Kae, Shae or others - or you can just fly off.

I think we should wait until ALL the players and characters are on the board before anyone flies off in game.

I'd like to hear what Kae has to say. And Shae will probably let us know in the morning.

Brett hands you the spyglass and you can see that the figures by the base of the statue are robed - further; you can also see that - for the most part - their backs are to you. You see two figures on the ground, and you believe one of them is Anuk-su - you cannot be sure what the other is - but it looks humanoid.

Can I see how many robed figures there are by the base of the statue?

Arasmes's plan is not bad - but; Brett is equally (if not more) effective as a range fighter. Dropping him on top of a bunch of bad guys may not be useful to him - or you.

If Arasmes wanted to do what he was planning - then it may be better to take only melee fighters - and have the range fighters hug the side of the walls with stealth.

In this way the melee fighters can drop down into combat, be just as effective - and do damage - while the range fighters hug the walls and use their weapons/spells to pick off the bad guys while slowly moving in for the kill as the melee fighters do their work.

Any thoughts to this plan?

Perhaps splitting the group is not wise at this time. Every time we do that in battle (especially early on), it becomes twice as difficult and we get into all kinds of mess and lots of injuries etc. Isani is not a melee fighter (has low hp too) -- she is purely support/healer and in addition has some spells (though her long range spells are pretty much gone/used). So, before we have Cali enlarged and flying out across the lava carrying us, what do people think? Keep the team on foot together until we can get closer? The robed figures by Anuk-su are concentrating on getting ready for the ritual and so no one is expecting us to show up so it gives us some advantage to creep up on foot. If we start flying across on a gigantic Eidolon we lose that element of surprise. Plus who knows how many spellcasters they have among their group of creepy evilies (and these dudes make nasty, powerful hybrid armies!). Just want us to think this through before we undertake our next major step.

Correction to my list of remaining spells.

Isani has all her 1st level Oracle spells as she can cast any number of 1st level spells 6 times a day. I spazzed on that -- sorry.

Magic Weapon (5/6) (used once only), Burning Disarm (5/6) (used once only), CLW (6/6), Protection from Evil (6/6), Shield of Faith (6/6), Sun Metal (6/6).

So that means she can provide buffs to more of her companions.

Dain GM wrote:

Brett hands you the spyglass and you can see that the figures by the base of the statue are robed - further; you can also see that - for the most part - their backs are to you. You see two figures on the ground, and you believe one of them is Anuk-su - you cannot be sure what the other is - but it looks humanoid.

Can I see how many robed figures there are by the base of the statue?

Sure! Everything on the battle map is wearing a long robe and cloak - that is to say - you have no idea what these guys are in terms of race, and class. They are all wearing long robes/cloaks and hoods over their heads.

So - yeah - you know...

By the way - I noticed Isani was suggesting that she COULD cast a few spells. Did she, and if so - on whom? Okay - thanks!

Correction to my list of remaining spells.

Isani has all her 1st level Oracle spells as she can cast any number of 1st level spells 6 times a day. I spazzed on that -- sorry.

Magic Weapon (5/6) (used once only), Burning Disarm (5/6) (used once only), CLW (6/6), Protection from Evil (6/6), Shield of Faith (6/6), Sun Metal (6/6).

So that means she can provide buffs to more of her companions.

Isani I sent you a PM fyi.

Perhaps splitting the group is not wise at this time. Every time we do that in battle (especially early on), it becomes twice as difficult and we get into all kinds of mess and lots of injuries etc. Isani is not a melee fighter (has low hp too) -- she is purely support/healer and in addition has some spells (though her long range spells are pretty much gone/used). So, before we have Cali enlarged and flying out across the lava carrying us, what do people think? Keep the team on foot together until we can get closer? The robed figures by Anuk-su are concentrating on getting ready for the ritual and so no one is expecting us to show up so it gives us some advantage to creep up on foot. If we start flying across on a gigantic Eidolon we lose that element of surprise. Plus who knows how many spellcasters they have among their group of creepy evilies (and these dudes make nasty, powerful hybrid armies!). Just want us to think this through before we undertake our next major step.

Most of the problem Arasmes is having is he wants to get over there as quickly as possible to disrupt the ritual as he doesn't want Anuk-su killed. In his mind if she was killed before we got there and he could have prevented it by taking a risk to fly over the lava he wouldn't be able to forgive himself. Also if those at the ritual DO see us and have their attention on us, then theoretically it should be easier for the rest of you to sneak up and free Anuk-su. Also I have a few tricks up my sleeve if something happens over the lava. Don't get me wrong it's still very dangerous but Arasmes wouldn't let a little danger get in the way of saving an, albeit reluctant, friend like Anuk-su. ;-)

Kae uses his augry ability

Basically asking a "Weal of Woe" for Cali flying folks over. Isani, Raz, and a reduced Clari look like the only ones that would be going over with Cali.

Ry, Kae, Brett, and the Simians look to be moving around the outside...

So does the augry give anything?
It's mad late right now and i'm in no place to try to compose anything IC at the moment...

Isani is just worried that if the altar is made from the Black Stone that any magic will be nullified within a certain distance from it -- including any enlargement, reduction or summoning spells ... What will we do then, especially if we're still flying over the hot molten lava?

Isani I sent you a PM fyi.

Thank you for clarifying things for me, Ras. Sorry for my misunderstanding of the rules. For the rest of the guys: ignore my previous posting regarding the number of level 1 Oracle spells Isani has remaining etc ...

By the way - I noticed Isani was suggesting that she COULD cast a few spells. Did she, and if so - on whom? Okay - thanks!

Isani suggested she cast Protection from Evil on Arasmes and Shield of Faith on Ariarh. That is if the party splits up ... I'm still waiting to see what the general consensus is because now I am worried that the Black Stone Altar will affect the magic and Ras et al will be in jeopardy. I don't know if I want Isani onboard that enlarged Eidolon if there is a good chance the magic will be nerfed (she trusts in Ras' ability/skill but knows how potent the Black Stone is against magic and the living). I will wait to hear what the group says -- will check the board in my morning. Night.

Shae will be going around the edge with the group. I'm holding off casting Haste as my first battle action. I want ot hit as many melee fighter types as possible. Maybe even the Ape men, but that will depend on specifics once we get closer.

Mister will be on SHae's shoulders unless other wise stated. Depending on what the situation looks like when we get closer Shae and Mister have a strategy they may use to free the dragon.

totally missed the giant black stone of nullification lol. If that is brought up to Arasmes (especially as he has never been around the stone, that was Alaric) then he will accede to the will of the group and go around the edge.

Kae uses his augry ability

Basically asking a "Weal of Woe" for Cali flying folks over. Isani, Raz, and a reduced Clari look like the only ones that would be going over with Cali.

Ry, Kae, Brett, and the Simians look to be moving around the outside...

So does the augry give anything?
It's mad late right now and i'm in no place to try to compose anything IC at the moment...

In response to your query...

Great darkness looms...
Beware the Serpent -
Even so; a snake without fangs may crawl where it chooses...

Kae - draw whatever you can from that nugget of news. But, know this; the chief evil mentioned in the questioning was "the Serpent" - even so, not all snakes need be evil....

Yes - so again; I need a formal listing of what spells are cast and on whom, and by whom.

Also - I need to know who is going where and how - and in what method.

Specifically - grid coordinates for everyone.

For now - the Apes shall advance at pace with the party - once the action starts - things will change.

If I'm reading the map right Shae and Mister will make their way towards -11 -W. Hopefully with a group.

If I'm reading the map right Shae and Mister will make their way towards -11 -W. Hopefully with a group.

Sounds good!

totally missed the giant black stone of nullification lol. If that is brought up to Arasmes (especially as he has never been around the stone, that was Alaric) then he will accede to the will of the group and go around the edge.

Retconning this so information can be relayed to Arasmes and Isani before Cali is enlarged and Shae and Mister move away from the group.

Having seen the tall black idol stone upon the altar through Brett's spyglass, she quickly called out in her mind to Mister, hoping he would hear her and relay the information to Arasmes and Isani, ::Mister, can you hear me? Please pass on this urgent message to Arasmes and the Priestess Isani, that they should not try to fly across the lava because the altar/idol looks to be made of the same magic negating material as the one in the Spider's Nest and the underground cavern of the swamp in Saravale. It is too dangerous and better to be cautious than try something so dangerous. Tell them to go by foot like the rest of us. Thank you.::

Since Shae and Mister have already moved up by foot, we can presume Mister passed this on and everyone is on the same page.

Arasmes ibn'Fayad wrote:

totally missed the giant black stone of nullification lol. If that is brought up to Arasmes (especially as he has never been around the stone, that was Alaric) then he will accede to the will of the group and go around the edge.

Retconning this so information can be relayed to Arasmes and Isani before Cali is enlarged and Shae and Mister move away from the group.

Having seen the tall black idol stone upon the altar through Brett's spyglass, she quickly called out in her mind to Mister, hoping he would hear her and relay the information to Arasmes and Isani, ::Mister, can you hear me? Please pass on this urgent message to Arasmes and the Priestess Isani, that they should not try to fly across the lava because the altar/idol looks to be made of the same magic negating material as the one in the Spider's Nest and the underground cavern of the swamp in Saravale. It is too dangerous and better to be cautious than try something so dangerous. Tell them to go by foot like the rest of us. Thank you.::

Since Shae and Mister have already moved up by foot, we can presume Mister passed this on and everyone is on the same page.

Mister does so.

Isani has not cast any buffs on her companions yet because they are still far from the ledge/altar/idol/bad guys. Each of her buffs have a duration of 3 mins so she doesn't want them extinguished before they can be used effectively (and at the appropriate time). Perhaps when they get to a certain distance from the black stone ... well outside its control/hold she will cast Protection from Evil.

Remaining level 1 Oracle spells she can cast are: Protection from Evil x 3 and CLW x 1.

Arasmes ibn'Fayad wrote:

totally missed the giant black stone of nullification lol. If that is brought up to Arasmes (especially as he has never been around the stone, that was Alaric) then he will accede to the will of the group and go around the edge.

Retconning this so information can be relayed to Arasmes and Isani before Cali is enlarged and Shae and Mister move away from the group.

Having seen the tall black idol stone upon the altar through Brett's spyglass, she quickly called out in her mind to Mister, hoping he would hear her and relay the information to Arasmes and Isani, ::Mister, can you hear me? Please pass on this urgent message to Arasmes and the Priestess Isani, that they should not try to fly across the lava because the altar/idol looks to be made of the same magic negating material as the one in the Spider's Nest and the underground cavern of the swamp in Saravale. It is too dangerous and better to be cautious than try something so dangerous. Tell them to go by foot like the rest of us. Thank you.::

Since Shae and Mister have already moved up by foot, we can presume Mister passed this on and everyone is on the same page.

Ry lass - toss up a basic Intelligence to remember a detail about the stone... :)

Isani has not cast any buffs on her companions yet because they are still far from the ledge/altar/idol/bad guys. Each of her buffs have a duration of 3 mins so she doesn't want them extinguished before they can be used effectively (and at the appropriate time). Perhaps when they get to a certain distance from the black stone ... well outside its control/hold she will cast Shield of Faith and Protection from Evil.

Can you give me the coordinates you reach when you intend to use it? Like - what grid you want to be on when you cast your spells/buffs? Thank you so much Isani!

Isani Isu wrote:

Isani has not cast any buffs on her companions yet because they are still far from the ledge/altar/idol/bad guys. Each of her buffs have a duration of 3 mins so she doesn't want them extinguished before they can be used effectively (and at the appropriate time). Perhaps when they get to a certain distance from the black stone ... well outside its control/hold she will cast Shield of Faith and Protection from Evil.

Can you give me the coordinates you reach when you intend to use it? Like - what grid you want to be on when you cast your spells/buffs? Thank you so much Isani!

Isani will be on -Z -4 when she begins casting each of her 3 buffs.

Ry lass - toss up a basic Intelligence to remember a detail about the stone... :)

Intelligence Check re remembering detail/s about the Stone: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Ok so Arasmes is going to fly anyway and bring whomever would like to come. Arasmes can get Isani to a position where she can heal quickly on Cali. He WILL be flying with the group though around the edge about 15-20 feet above them, in position to cast spells and also within range for Isani to heal if she needs to.

So the only spell Arasmes cast is Enlarge person on Cali. He will also recommend someone carrying Brett, otherwise he will not be able to keep up.

So I think we are heading around the...left?...side.

Perception for Arasmes for when it matters to see what is going on. 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Perception for Caliphana for when it matters to see what is going on. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Stealth for Caliphana 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Ok so Arasmes is going to fly anyway and bring whomever would like to come. Arasmes can get Isani to a position where she can heal quickly on Cali. He WILL be flying with the group though around the edge about 15-20 feet above them, in position to cast spells and also within range for Isani to heal if she needs to.

So the only spell Arasmes cast is Enlarge person on Cali. He will also recommend someone carrying Brett, otherwise he will not be able to keep up.

So I think we are heading around the...left?...side.

Yes, around left side/edge of volcano.

Dain GM wrote:

Ry lass - toss up a basic Intelligence to remember a detail about the stone... :)

Intelligence Check re remembering detail/s about the Stone: 1d20+2

While it is true that the Black Stone not only absorbs magical energy - and drains it, and dissipates spells and spell-like abilities - it also did the same thing to life...

In this case - if the idol was fashioned from such things - it seems odd that living things would be standing so close to it...

For whatever that is worth...

It also occurs to you that the Black Stone had a guardian... of that, you are very sure... something about the guardian tickles your memory - as to what it is - you cannot recall...

Ok so Arasmes is going to fly anyway and bring whomever would like to come. Arasmes can get Isani to a position where she can heal quickly on Cali. He WILL be flying with the group though around the edge about 15-20 feet above them, in position to cast spells and also within range for Isani to heal if she needs to.

So the only spell Arasmes cast is Enlarge person on Cali. He will also recommend someone carrying Brett, otherwise he will not be able to keep up.

So I think we are heading around the...left?...side.

"I may be lagging behind - but, uh - I ain't be eager too riding up in the air so close that pit o' bubbling nasty filth!" Brett responds to Arasmes generous offer - and will hurry along as best as he can.

Huzzah - toss up marching order for all! Meanwhile - what does Kae/Clari plan on doing?

While it is true that the Black Stone not only absorbs magical energy - and drains it, and dissipates spells and spell-like abilities - it also did the same thing to life...

In this case - if the idol was fashioned from such things - it seems odd that living things would be standing so close to it...

For whatever that is worth...

It also occurs to you that the Black Stone had a guardian... of that, you are very sure... something about the guardian tickles your memory - as to what it is - you cannot recall...

Relaying the message through Mister, to all ... Still hoping Mister can catch this and pass it along, ::I remembered something about the Black Stone; not only does it absorb and drain magical energy, it drains life itself. It makes me wonder why there are robed figures standing so near the Black Stone Idol and they seem unharmed. There's also a memory about a guardian that protects the Black Stone, however the details elude me at present. Just be mindful of this, please.::

::Undead perhaps?::

Catching the relay of information by Arasmes, through Mister, ::Aye, that is what I am thinking. Mister please pass it along.::

"Well - hurry up - I'll be right behind!" Brett calls out, even as I assume you hurry along.

Brett is - as stated - moving to

-A
-22

Good Times!

Brett is - as stated - moving to

-A
-22

Good Times!

Wasn't Brett further up before (at -C -28) as I had Ariarh behind him at -B - 28? Confused how he went down/backwards instead of forward.

Dain GM wrote:

Brett is - as stated - moving to

-A
-22

Good Times!

Wasn't Brett further up before (at -C -28) as I had Ariarh behind him at -B - 28? Confused how he went down/backwards instead of forward.

Nope you are not confused - I am. Brett is exactly where you said he was!

Good times - how about the rest of you?

Arasmes is moving up with Cali to -Q -15

Kae moves up with the group, and at A,-26

Stealth 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

depending on if he is seen or not, He will use his Expeditious Retreat Extract
Otherwise he casts Shield, moves 30 ft closer, then uses his extract, once the rest of the team is sort-of within range, so he's not alone for several rounds...

Clari cast reduce person to become small and rides with Cali, and Raz.

Perception
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

stealth if it is actually relevant
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Kae moves up with the group, and at Z,-26

Stealth 1d20+11
Perception 1d20+10

depending on if he is seen or not, He will use his Expeditious Retreat Extract
Otherwise he casts Shield, moves 30 ft closer, then uses his extract, once the rest of the team is sort-of within range, so he's not alone for several rounds...

You cannot stand there - that is not part of the map.

TO be clear - the map has two circles. One in the middle is the lava - the one outside the one in the middle is literally the edge of the rock.

Outside the second circle is solid rock.

You cannot stand where you are standing. If you are not sure what I mean, then talk to me in Skype

Ok so Arasmes is going to fly anyway and bring whomever would like to come. Arasmes can get Isani to a position where she can heal quickly on Cali. He WILL be flying with the group though around the edge about 15-20 feet above them, in position to cast spells and also within range for Isani to heal if she needs to.

So the only spell Arasmes cast is Enlarge person on Cali. He will also recommend someone carrying Brett, otherwise he will not be able to keep up.

So I think we are heading around the...left?...side.

Upon hearing the words echoes in her mind of the possibility of an Undead enemy awaiting them near the dark altar, she speaks with a quiet passion, "We must put an end to the remorseless evil of the Undead. May the Everlight guide my scimitar to deliver swift death to all Undead."

Then hearing Arasmes advise that he would still be enlarging his Eidolon to carry them both along the edge of the volcano, she asks "Will it be safe to travel this way, sadiqi? Will the Undead dark priests or whatever manner of spellcasters they are not see us from this vantage point and attack us first?"

Arasmes smiles at the beautiful changeling and says I think we must rely a bit on luck to not be seen Sadiqati. There are many of us and the ape-men are not inconspicuous themselves. Trust in the gods and each other and we shall overcome...or we will meet in the next life. He finishes with an intensely fond look for the priestess. Unlike any woman he had known before she has the gentle mercy and fierce passion of Sarenrae herself.

Once near the spot Ariarh stated, Arasmes will Haste the party specifically, Kae, Cali, Brett, Isani, Clari, and Ry. To remember +30' to all movement modes, +1 to attack, AC, and reflex saves and one extra attack when making a full attack. This will last 6 rounds. He will cast this right before we are going to attack.

Isani decides to cast Protection from Evil on herself, the Lady Ariarh and Arasmes. The spell will last 30 rounds.