I could... I can use the power of my prayer beads to transform into wind, and take three of you with me. We could use that to scout into the area ahead and check on The Queen and the ritual. Perhaps... Myself, Morkeleb, Ferox and Sandor. That's a broad amount of experience. The four of us should be able to discern something about what we see, and see if we have time to use the scroll to rest.
If there are no objections, I'll just do it.
Make it so.
In a series of breaths, you transform into the very wind itself and journey up. Though you travel just a few dozen feet, it's enough time to think back on all that has transpired since those days hunting Gaedran Lam.
When you emerge on the final floor, it's as horrible as your dreams allowed.
This huge, lofty chamber is illuminated by braziers at the four corners. A soft light also filters from two very high oval windows on the southwestern wall. The twin windows are fitted with panes of blue crystal that filter in some light from outside. Below these crystal “eyes,” a band of mosaics on the south wall forms a huge map of an ancient, unknown land. The map features a river valley with many villages, each one labeled in a strange language. To the northeast, a shaft drops away in the floor. Yet the most unusual feature of the room floats and undulates at its center—an amorphous blob of blood, over thirty feet wide, hovers and ripples in the air. Shapes periodically form on its turbulent surface: faces, hands, buildings, and figures that last only long enough to melt back into the horrific mass. Dozens of thin crystal tubes extend from the upper walls of the room to a point just above the shifting mass of blood.
Within the blob of blood is a comatose form.
It is Queen Ileosa Arabasti. She doesn't seem to be aware of anything outside the bubble.
Sandor doesn't see anything (and remember you guys can't really talk to each other without telepathy. The whole thing looks complicated. You might be able to smash it, but the blood is floating in mid-air, so who knows.
I'm on this away team. Is there any way I can intuit how much more time this ritual has left before climax? What, if any, knowledge checks may I try? I'll start here..
Seeing the ritual in action you learn a few things:
1. This level of blood magic hasn't been known since the time of the Runelords themselves.
2. If this ritual completes, some of the likely effects are eternal youth, access to magic of mythic power, and a body near impervious to injury.
3. This ritual is most definitely blending the souls of the lustful and driven Ileosa and that of Kazavon. It's REALLY bad.
4. Morkeleb is confident that the ritual has 48-72 hours left based on the rate of absorption of blood.
1) any other visible threats?
2) any indication of how to interrupt this? (will provide any other checks you wish!!)
Morkeleb's mist-form descends from the horror chamber, heading to a safe room, and begins transforming back into his solid form.
1. You do see one threat. Odric (with a goatee) is pacing back and forth. He looks EXCEPTIONALLY bored right now.
2. If you can somehow disrupt the flow of blood from the air and into her, you could do it. It looks like you might be able to physically do it. There's so much energy inside though that you're scared of what would happen if you used magic on it (including Detect Magic.)
Once physical forms are resumed and easy communication is possible, Morkeleb fills in the team with his findings.
First: my best guess--and I'm confident it's a good one--is that we have at least 48 hours before this foul ritual is completed. I am confident we have time to rest--but we should not dally beyond that.
Second: this ritual is...immensely powerful. Magic of this kind is Runelord-powerful, and hasn't been seen since Their time. Ileosa is definitely trying to bond her soul with that of Kazavon. If she succeeds, we will not defeat her. Ever.
Third: the only other threat I could see present was that of Odric's "twin." I defer to others with a sharper eye, to determine whether there were other threats present. Given the Queen's history, I think we should expect stiff resistance in the form of physical guards, magic, and summoned help--probably devils.
Fourth: the ritual can be disrupted, if the flow of blood is physically stopped. The amount of magic present in the central sphere is so great that even minor magics used to interrupt--or even reconnoiter--it would likely have effects I dare not even guess at. I think I have one or two tricks to use magic to help stop the blood flow, at least partially. Otherwise, I'm open to discussions on this point.
Gaius breezes around the room, looking for anything that stands out. Which is a weird thing considering the circumstances. Gaius will touch nothing, even in the form of wind--not walls, not floors or ceilings, not objects. I just want the lay of the land.
Perception: plus another 2 for any traps.
Your eyes spot the tiniest of hints at more in the room. Within the blood you see other shapes that form and dissolve. Other images of the queen, eyes of dragons, halbards, and the sensuous curves of an artist's dream....
Listening to the wizard's story, the ranger can't help but daydream about a spectacular Odric VS Evil Odric showdown...
Gaius shares what he learns, hoping someone else can make something of it. It only serves to make his skin crawl.
Listening to Gaius' description, Morkeleb blanches. Does the Runelord of Lust not wield a halberd as her favored weapon? This...bodes ill. There may be many nasty things inside this abomination that will try to kill us.
The wizard slowly brings out the scroll of Magnificent Mansion, and begins to unfurl it. Do any of you still think we should attack immediately, or shall we retire for one more night of rest, away from this horror, to fully gird ourselves for war? I am confident that we have time...
Listening to Gaius' description, Morkeleb blanches. Does the Runelord of Lust not wield a halberd as her favored weapon? This...bodes ill. There may be many nasty things inside this abomination that will try to kill us.
The wizard slowly brings out the scroll of Magnificent Mansion, and begins to unfurl it. Do any of you still think we should attack immediately, or shall we retire for one more night of rest, away from this horror, to fully gird ourselves for war? I am confident that we have time...
What is a Runelord? Does she not kneel before Calistria?
What is a Runelord? Does she not kneel before Calistria?
Grym generally pictured Calistra doing most of the kneeling...
Then he suddenly realizes his daydream might be disrespectful. He quickly makes a placating gesture of apology at some vague being "above".
The rest of the party looks at him like he is a crazy person.
Gaius shares what he learns, hoping someone else can make something of it. It only serves to make his skin crawl.
Telepathically via Criktik, "Sounds like there may be invisible creatures lurking. We have the Lantern of Revealing. Ferox should make sure he has that excellent spell that paints hidden opponents in blue light. "
The Runelords were magi of old...ancient Thasselonian wizards of such power as has never been seen again. They were like unto minor gods. There have been rumblings of some of the Runelords' return, but as far as I can tell that is simply gossip. But, if Ileosa has tapped into the power of the Runelord of Lust in her quest for eternal youth & immortal power, then we will have our work cut out for us.
One thing I've just remembered...the ensorcellment on this place is such that teleporting in or out is not possible. I would have to leave the walls to teleport anywhere. This is not impossible, but isn't convenient. Decide whether we really NEED more supplies, and we will plan accordingly.
If we do teleport, where do we go to get the items? Korvosa is in full revolt. We can't exactly go down to Brewsters Dry Goods and purchase a king's ransom in diamonds.
If we do teleport, where do we go to get the items? Korvosa is in full revolt. We can't exactly go down to Brewsters Dry Goods and purchase a king's ransom in diamonds.
[ooc] I'm kinda w/ Gauis. The Uber Protection spell would be awesome but we can probably squeak by w/out it. If there is nothing else we NEED. Lets just rest up, casts spells and do some slaying.
Once we set up the manse, would any of you come with me for a ritual? It is a sanctified ceremony to Calistria. I can promise a pleasurable experience. Only of your own free will. If no, so be it. I will perform the ritual myself. I intend to call upon her and ask for the service of her divine attendants.
Now I be confident in Morkelb's magikin knowledge of him estimatin the time, but what if'n he be wrong by a few hours 'n we get back to late. So lets not shop unless we have ta.
I do have a question fer Gaius and Odric. Now We know Evil Odric is up there, 'n I belive there might be another not Gaius or two layin in wait. Odric , Gaius, how would ya be tryin ta stop us? Lets get a initial engagement plan made up so when we kick this door in we know what each is planning. Like Ferox used Detect Thoughts to great effect one time.. Maybe he could do so again to see if there are more than 2 minds in the room.
Mine is: Enlarge myself, position myself between him and the casters wait for Not Odric to move up and hit him with reach.
Once we set up the manse, would any of you come with me for a ritual? It is a sanctified ceremony to Calistria. I can promise a pleasurable experience. Only of your own free will. If no, so be it. I will perform the ritual myself. I intend to call upon her and ask for the service of her divine attendants.
What is the benefit of this ritual? And what kind of pleasure? Gaius sorry I have ta ask but some of your ideas of pleasure don't measure up ta mine.
Once we set up the manse, would any of you come with me for a ritual? It is a sanctified ceremony to Calistria. I can promise a pleasurable experience. Only of your own free will. If no, so be it. I will perform the ritual myself. I intend to call upon her and ask for the service of her divine attendants.What is the benefit of this ritual? And what kind of pleasure? Gaius sorry I have ta ask but some of your ideas of pleasure don't measure up ta mine.
I hope to summon one of Calistria's servants, and bargain. I hope to enlist them as allies in the upcoming battle. As part of this ritual, I will need to make sacrifices and then negotiate payment for services. My Goddess rules Trickery, Lust and Vengence. I will need to respond in kind. I am a Templar of The Lady In The Room. Pleasure of The Flesh is my trade and it is one of the coins I will offer to these outsiders. Specifics will be... We'll kind of go with the flow, but there's a long tradition of channeling physical love and passion into a kind of power on the eve of battle. I believe it will benefit you, but as you say... It may not be your cup of proverbial tea.
I have learned to have a great deal of respect for each of you. Gaius, my talks with you in particular have been enlightening. I will accompany you and aid your ritual in any way I may--witnessing such a thing first-hand should be quite educative.
After a beat...Mind you, it's all for research.
Following Sandor's lead, Morkeleb replies to his ideas.
Very good, my stout friend. My plans are to enhance us with magical Haste and several other "goodies," use some scrolls I've been holding to assist with shaping the battlefield, set off some spells that can attack with minimal intervention from me, and grab hold of whatever minds I can and force them to attack, or defend, on our behalf. I think Evil Odric would be a good target for that endeavour, don't you? Oh, and I will crush & wring the sanity out of the mind of spellcasters, as a preferential target.
Odric asks quite seriously, "if this mansion will have a massive feast, and we have a couple members of the clergy with us, and we are planning some sort of orgy... Why not make this an all out amazing 24 hours and invite the two fiancees for a beautiful double wedding? Then maybe your brides can provide us a bit of support for the fight ahead?"
Gaius lists specific instructions for Morkeleb, who will be casting the Manse spell... There must be a large chamber, built for comfort. Large, plush pillows and chaise lounges. Silk curtains creating smaller divisions that offer comfort and a *small* amount of privacy, but that are all linked and adjoining to permit some potential places for voyeurs and permitting occupants to move about and explore. Small tables with drinking vessels and trays for spirits and snacks. Fresh fruit, wine, honey, cheeses, strong drink. Lighting should be soft, diffused lamps and the oils should produce pleasant aromatics.
In the center of this chamber thee should be a sort of soft, silken arena. A larger division, where the casting of the spell will happen. A Calistrian alter should be in the center--a piece of furniture that has multiple purposes and can be retasked for nearly anything imaginable.
We shall also need extra servants. I'm going to just float this here and quote this line from the Unseen Servant description, "...The servant can perform only one activity at a time, but it repeats the same activity over and over again if told to do so as long as you remain within range"
Which I think we can put to use.
Hopefully, Gaius can be descriptive enough to Morkeleb to get what he needs from the spell casting.
That night, in The Manse, Gaius goes to this chamber and does what he can to sanctify it. Gaius begins casting the spell. He starts with a sacrifice, and his options are limited. But he lays his masterwork whip, hand crossbow, dagger, some precious stones, and a dose of poison on the alter. That should be enough.
Gaius disrobes and bathes, anointing his body with oils and perfumes. He makes his appearance as pleasant to the eye, nose, and touch as possible. Any party members choosing to take part are instructed--sternly--to do the same.
He then chants, and begins what looks to be yoga. What they are, really, are poses and forms from The Book of Joy, everything he can accomplish solo. If any of the party choose to take part, Gaius instructs them and will take that instruction as far as it can go, pending consent from the participants. In a nod to Calistria's role as a trickster goddess, Gaius makes use of Alter Self and silken veils to shift his appearance into shapes that please and are decidedly not Gaius.
Ahem. Sex is like Chinese food. It aint over until everyone gets their cookie. Ah... Everyone who wants a cookie, gets their cookie, as part of the spell casting.
With the requirements of the spell fulfilled, Gaius casts Planar Ally and beseeches his mistress to send an agent. Then he pours himself a glass of wine and he lounges, taking in the sensations around him while he waits for a response.
But seriously, djinn wedding too?
Odric takes a potion of cats grave from Morkeleb for himself, and one for each of the companions likely to engage in physical combat. Of the 6 options, one to Odric, Sandor, Grym, Bucho, Detox, and Gaius.
Odric asks for the potion of haste too.
OK, I'm going to sleep. Odric will drink 1 potion of Cat's Grace, 1 potion of enlarge person, and 1 potion of Haste (provided the party give it to him out of Morkeleb's stash). He is expecting a Greater Heroism from Cricktik too.
He takes a slug of The Stout to wash it all down, draws his legendary blade, and prepares to enter.
If the clock is ticking down, and the group doesn't appear ready to enter, Odric will enter 10 minutes before the appointed time and disrupt the ceremony,
As the spell completes, an exhausted Gaius returns to bed. He practically collapses.
Thinking the spell a failure, the weight of the journey finally falls upon the man. Sleep comes quickly.
too quickly.
Covers rise and fall, undulating in time with Gaius's heart.Soon they take a solid form, a perfect form.
"My sweet and devoted Gaius." It's a whisper in your ear. The voice oozes authority and confidence. "Did you need something my pet?"
The voice takes shape, and what a shape it is... A voluptuous elven woman with insect wings in diaphanous clothes that do little beyond teasing.
She rises to stand over him in bed. "Mortal, you lie beneath . Lick my boots and state your deepest desire that I might fulfill. Pleasure me enough and your desire becomes my need." ...
The sounds of carnal pleasure come in waves from Gaius's room. It's occasionally joined by the sounds of the lash. Apprently the ritual isn't over.
The ranger is quite impressed with the magical Manse. Grym helps himself to some of the lovely banquet. He tries a little bit of everything. He keeps dropping food on the floor for Bucho. The big dog keeps the floor around the banquet table spotless.
Grym thought for a bit about whether he should or shouldn't help/assist the Calistrian w/ his Rites. Part of the ranger felt he should participate and help as he could. The Calistrian magic had carried the party through many tough situations. Yet, ultimately Thorgrym decided not to. He was a rather simple man in bed. He honestly was a little afraid he may let Gauis down or may be asked to do something that didn't follow his tastes.
The ranger said a simple prayer to Sarenrae hoping she would help Gauis with his Rite. Then he wasn't sure how that would work. One goddess helping a priest of another goddess... It got confusing but he figured a blessing is a blessing.
Later the ranger found a comfy couch and fell asleep. The big brindle dog managed to curl up on an adjoining chase lounge and began snoring loudly.
The next "morning", all the UpTurned Cup began their final preparation.
The ranger casts Greater Magic Fang, LongStrider, and FeatherStep on his loyal dog. He also feeds the canine a potion of bull's strength.
On himself the ranger casts LongStrider, and Freedom of Movement. He also pulls both of his blades, Legendary Serethial and not-quite-as-legendary SharkSlayer. He uses his Mighty Keen Sheath to enhance both blades with the Keen quality.
Team Ranger is ready
Grym does a few warm ups while waiting for the others, stretching, footwork, and some bladework...
Odric performs a strenuous warm up routine, much more efficient and much less hilarious than those he used to do. He missed out on the Calistran ritual while siphoning up all the food and drink the manse could provide. At a certain point, Odric thought he was going to be able to deplete the platter of steaks he was attacking, but the manse was too fast to recharge the table.
He readies his planned potions for consumption immediately before entering the chamber; haste, enlarge person, and cat's grace. The kegerator was freshly polished, his breathless armor gleamed dully all over, except where Bellasham's blood had stained it blackish-red.
He prepares to charge in alongside Grym as part of the vanguard.
In a fight this complex, it's easy to mess up the math. It's also easy to forget durations, stack things that overlap etc. In order to prevent this, I recommend posting the effects and statuses at the beginning of your turn, and ticking off durations as you go. Here's an example:
-------
Jorciel steps forward and does x, y, and z.
--------
As a reminder. ALWAYS:
1. Post any saving throws first.
2. Take care of the PC's actions before any summoned/called/Harrow help.
In the morning, after the manse does its job the party emerges, ready to see this through to the end whatever it make look like.
Grym's sharp eyes catch some runes on the floor. Morkeleb bends to read them, and realizes that it's a modified Floating Disk spell that can elevate a few thousand pounds.
The way up is solved. All that remains is your arrangement...
Sacred Prostitute:
Sacred Prostitute:
Unchained. I'm taking the 27. ;) With that... Giaus negotiates for her to partake in the coming battle.
The next morning, Gaius also uses the Bead of Summons to summon another of Calistria's servants to serve him for 1 Day. I wonder what that will bring?
He casts Remove Fear[i] on Odric, Sandor and Grym. (10 minutes)
He casts [i]Death Ward upon himself.
Bless upon the party.
He uses the Bead of Karma upon himself.
He casts Align Weapon upon The Kegerator
He works to pack 48 vials into a bundle, which he secures with strips of cloth and rope.
He will weave a Master's Illusion around the party just before they take the disc-o-vator up. Off the cuff, I'd say we can look like Erinyes.
I think I'm good. :) Will The Dungeon Master be controlling Menotherian or is that on me? And for whatever the Bead of Summons brings.
Let's go.
When Gaius uses the bead, he has no idea what else he'd be bringing forth. What steps out is a morbidly beautiful woman clad in a gown of spider silk leans upon a staff seemingly topped with a giant spider. The fetishes of savage magical traditions dangle from thick strands that wrap her form, even mummifying her angular face. "Do you know what I am mortal? I am a Morrigna. I am tasked by Pharasma with a sacred duty, tracking down those who flout the natural cycle of death and judgment. I welcome the chance to fix the wound that is this Ileosa..."
After the night's...events and rest, Morkeleb emerges from the magical mansion, staff in hand. The staff headpiece as well as the gem in his skullcap both glow slightly with his signature green light. To say that "his power has grown substantially" since the early days of these adventurers when they took out Lamm would be a nearly comical understatement.
He calmly places his spellbook back into his pack, and begins taking stock of the many scrolls & potions he has, mentally cataloging which is where for quick use during the imminent battle. After this is done, he takes out a couple items and gets ready to use them.
He gives each of his compatriots several seconds of eye contact and a nod. This is all he feels needs to be 'said' to emotionally prepare for the conflict.
He takes out two scrolls, and looks at the front-line fighters.
Gentlemen, I have 2 scrolls of Stoneskin. Upon whom shall I cast them?
Resist Energy, Fire (DR10) 30 mins CL 3
Fly 5 mins CL 5
Darkvision 3 hours CL 3
Protection from Law 1 min CL 1
Expeditious Retreat 1 min CL 1
the last 2 potions are downed just before we open the last door, or ascend the last staircase or whatever. Morkeleb will cast Haste as close to "the beginning of the battle" as can be reasonably judged.
Bless 140 rounds
Cat's Grace: 30 Rounds
Caster Level +4
Death Ward: 140 Rounds
Greater Heroism (+4 rolls, saves, skill checks, immune fear, +12 Temp HP 120 rounds
Feeling refreshed from a night's rest and living with the knowledge that the end of their quest lays before them, Ferox says his prayers to Abadar and prepares for battle.
Ferox and Cricktik cast:
Magic Circle Against Evil - 2.5 hrs, 10' rad, +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves
Spell Resistance - 15 minutes, SR 27
Divine Power - 15 /15 rounds, +5 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, Strength checks, and Strength-based skill checks, 15 temp hps
Greater Heroism* - 12 min, +4 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks, immunity to fear effects
Tactical Accumen* - 15/15 rounds, +3 insight bonus to attack rolls or to AC due to battlefield position, such as flanking, higher ground, or cover
Invisibility Purge - 15 min, 75' radius