Manyki Marcellus |
"May Iomadae Guide you" Manyki solemnly intones. unfortunately he is unable to cast guidance at this time so cast read magic and detect magic and hopes his arcane knowledge and spellcraft can aid Quillen
EndlessForms |
Luckily the party is able to work together not only to remove the stone but to remove it with all of its magic still in tact!
In addition to acting like a dusty rose prism ioun stone it can also be used like a wand of shadow conjuration with 3 charges remaining.
Valais nods in agreement. "You are right. I should have let you check first." She looks like she wants to say more but is fighting her urges.
Excellent! Where to next?
Korai Shardwing |
Korai looks over the orb with a air of satisfaction about him. "A job well done by all... Popol, I suspect you can use this most effectively, so you should probably hold onto it until we need to use it as a key. So unless everyone wants to go marching over a trap, I think the door at the end of the hallway, towards the northeast of the temple should be our next stop."
The bird takes a cursory check of the remainder of the room, then moves back to the other door that was previously checked and seemed clear.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
If anyone not speaking in a demon's voice has any objections I'll hold off, otherwise next room?
Jaysin Deckert |
Yes, traps are generally bad, especially if one can't detect them.
Quillen |
I moved the party ahead. I left Rufus and Valais behind. Not sure if Rufus is considered gone at this stage, or an NPC that could relay a "coast is clear" message to Valais once we ensure there's nothing in the room that will trigger her demon-side.
Quillen marches along with Korai and gives him a nod as the group forms up near the door.
Quillen is also okay opening the door first, but Korai already placed himself in front of it, so I'm imagining he's taking this one.
EndlessForms |
I'm considering Rufus gone at this point.
There are no traps on the doors and you let yourselves into the northern room. Pale white walls covered in seemingly random splotches of pastel paint comprise the only decoration in this otherwise empty room. In the center of the room is a pedestal with a single glowing shard lying atop it. A dazzling bright light shines from nowhere in particular.
love you,” and “You bring me nothing but pain.”
As each of you steps into the room, you are assaulted by a vision of your absolute happiest moment or dream... but soon this vision turns sour and your dream is twisted into a horrific version of itself.
DC 22 Will save or:
Furthermore, if the creature is interacted with, or questioned while under the effects of this spell, it is considered to have an attitude of Helpful, though any advice or answers it gives may be disjointed or stream of consciousness due to its euphoric state.
Jaysin Deckert |
Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Jaysin seems to be much more docile in nature all of the sudden, even friendly.
Korai Shardwing |
Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
"Hey Jaysin, this place isn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be. In fact... anyone got a drink on em? Now seems like a good time to put business aside and just relax..."
Quillen |
When you save Will save, Quillen uses charmed life for +2 (always!)
Will: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 = 13
Quillen stands taking in the room and his "vision".
"Oui, oui! C'est bon! Uhhh??? Non!!"
Suddenly, the usually grumpy halfing just stands, smiling, no longer ready to stab the first hostile demon he sees.
C'mon someone make that save!
Popol |
Popol dreams that he killed the last evil god in the multiuniverse. The end of a long and terrible quest that all of his other friend had sacrifice their soul for it. Popol was happy. Sadly, the evil planes still need a vessel to channel their energy and Popol was the perfect...
will +2 if enchetement: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22.
The mage wakes up in sweat.
What had happen and why my dectect and read magic didn't work?
arcane to know: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32
He sees the others who seem to have smoke something...
Could that place contain a mind poison. This place is no religion, it is a cult! All we have seen from now when to kill us or dominate us. So that is the plan? Call adventurer oblige them to search the place, falling to the traps their mind is more ready to accept endoctrination. So this why they give their soul freely.
"Friend do not enter the room dangerous magic in there!"
Popol will than shake the closest person he think is enchanted. He need to know if a shock will return them to normal.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Manyki Marcellus |
will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
If Popols approach doesnt work I will ask my friends to help me with something outside the room to start and look up if break enchantment can affect 3 targets might also give protection from evil a try on three
EndlessForms |
That was a will save for everyone. Those who failed: If the creature is attacked, it gets a Will saving throw. If the saving throw succeeds, the creature can make act normally for 1 round. If the saving throw fails, the creature moves half its speed away from the attacker as its next action. But it only lasts for 15 rounds total so you're not like that permanently.
Valais waits patiently down the hall. "Can I join? Is it safe?"
The glowing shard in this room seems to be the other key for the door. Popol studies the magical auras and thinks that this one acts like a clear spindle ioun stone and also has continual flame cast inside it. This one is not attached to the wall like the other one and can be easily removed.
Quillen |
Does that mean we stand around drooling for 15rds x 6s = a minute and a half?
Quillen stands, eyes twinkling as he imagines himself marching his armies against the demons of the Worldwound (again).
Korai Shardwing |
"Of course it safe, its great in here!"
Korai just sits back and begins retelling his tale to Quillen of, as he puts it, 'ze day ze demons attacked' until either he gets a grip of himself or something terrible happens.
Jaysin Deckert |
The bird's right, its fine. I've never been among such good friends in all of my time in the Society.
EndlessForms |
Once Valais enters the room, she gives into the euphoria and doesn’t want to leave, dreaming of the days when her body was whole again. She speaks of her companions (now dead) and how they used to adventure together.
Even after the effect should have worn off, she is still loathe to leave this room and it takes quite a bit of convincing to make her come out again.
Eventually you move past this room to try the door in the northwest corner but only find that the room has collapsed and nothing useful can be found within.
Korai Shardwing |
One the effect wears off, Korai carefully takes the 2nd apparent key. "A very interesting choice of enchantments. One that shows us at our happiest and one that shows us in a frenzy. The big question is which key is which. If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say that the stone which yielded agitated ghosts would represent the line 'the bold scream' and the calming presence of this stone represents 'the meek survive.' That would couple well with 'the righteous will fall on their swords' being the stone representing boldness and 'the humble will be left' being the stone representing meekness. I'd say to place the stones accordingly and see what happens. In fact, I'd be more than happy to stake my own well being on this guess and place them myself if you are all ok with it."
Quillen |
Quillen, still unnerved by his experience in the room of tranquility, wears a look of scorn on his face as Korai puzzzles out the "keys".
"Oui, your zolution c'est bon."
Quillen looks to the others, waving them back just in case it actually is incorrect and a trap is about to be sprung, trusting his own catlike reflexes to protect him in such a case.
"Enzure Mademosoille Valais cannot zee what is within ze room just yet... we do not want her demon zide getting 'er into trouble."
Manyki Marcellus |
"Sounds an excellent plan. May i call forth the blessings of Iomadae , bless, and mutter some words of warding on us all, communal protection from evil-all party members 1 minute, before we place the keys in the lock?" suggests Manyki
Popol |
i have also other spell, wait
He turn to Valais looking at her like an equal.
"And you Valais, what meaning you see of all we have observed and received? "
[spoiler=if she responds that she know that this place will "heal" her no matter the cost.]
"I am fearing that if we sees this demon and propose your obédience for what you seek, you will accept it. It is your choice. But you will became a thrall of him. And there no garanty that the voices will depart.
It will be trading the outside for the inside. As for now, you are still Valais no matter what you looks. Even if the voices are more powerful here, you are still in control. And we are here to help you if something happen. " diplo: 1d20 ⇒ 14[/spoiler]
-Posted with Wayfinder
Korai Shardwing |
"Hmmm, I think it would be best if one of use were excluded from your 'protection from evil' spell in favor of Valais as she seems quite prone to mental control. Once you are in agreement with what preparations you wish to make, cast your spells, then stand back and I'll test my theory on this door."
Manyki Marcellus |
"Brave Korai has volunteered to go ahead I will cast protection from evil on the rest of us when you are ready"
congratulations I think you just volunteered yourself there Korai
EndlessForms |
Valais understands the dangers and thanks you again for helping her in any way you can. "I don't know what we'll find in there but I think it will answer many questions."
After making your preparations, Korai places the stones in the door and it opens without activating the trap!
Scorched earth and burned grass cover this round chamber’s floor. In the center of the room stands a tall tree, its blackened bark seeping blood-red sap and its branches twisted and thorny. Glowing silvery runes circle the base of the tree. At the base of the tree lays a lithe, bronze-skinned man missing his left arm, a puddle of blood pooled beneath him. His right hand lies just inside the circle, and a single word is scratched in the dirt near his fingertips. The word scratched in the dirt is gretaak.
The runes around the base of the tree:
A voice speaks in all of your heads: Mortals, bow before the sacred heartwood tree. Touch the bark and utter the sacred incantation written in the dirt. Then retrieve my staff, leave the circle, and present it before me. Only then can I take corporeal form.
Korai Shardwing |
Korai shrugs, and reloads his pepperbox with cold iron rounds before concealing it again. "You all hear that? I'm sure it's a trap. Usual deal. Do what it says and let a crazy trapped spirit free. Welp... lets hope I'm wrong. Otherwise let us do what it says then blast it from here to starfall when it goes bonkers. Popol, what do those runes say. Please tell me they don't have some mumbo jumbo about binding some dark lord here."
Korai moves in and carefully goes about the room searching for traps while avoiding poking at the runes.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
After a quick look he grimaces than bows towards the tree.
"Well... here's the tree, the statue is in the front hallway, now where's the bloody staff."
Quillen |
Quillen stuides the bronze-skinned man in the pool of blood then raises a hand and shakes it defiantly at the room.
"Non!"
Scowling, he turns to the others.
"I will not 'ave zis! I do not trust zis voice nor zis room!"
He eyes Valais with some concern, wondering if she's about to barrel past them and unleash thousands of trapped demons into the world.
Also waiting to hear about the runes to get some sense of what the ritual may actually do if performed, although Quillen is 95% certain it releases a demon.
Popol |
take 10 spellcraft "Those runes protect the staff ,the tree thing, against non good. I would like to exam it first. There a chance, it is cursed.
This men is probably dead because of that.
This is confusing. We have someone who dream of this tree who is a staff with goddish rune, a voice who tell us to do thing. A temple who was protected by a mimic. A fruit who was a demon that eat soul. The keys to this where in a place that impose no violence but the traps where.
By the way", he says to the voice." Who are you? We will not follow your instruction if you cannot explain."
Popol will also takes out his shining wayfinder and uses it detect evil fonction.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Manyki Marcellus |
Without crossing the runes Manyki attempts to discern how dead is the golden skinned man heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 and what kind of extra planar outsider he is knowledge planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
IF still alive will throw a channel to heal heal all: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5) = 13
Jaysin Deckert |
So, what's the play here? I hope you understand all of this tree and staff nonsense because I sure as hell don't. Jaysin seems to have recovered from his previous condition. And what about this guy? I don't like it when they talk in my head. Its like invasion of privacy!
Korai Shardwing |
"Ah... well... if that's the staff... I'm probably not qualified to carry it. My suggestion? Get all of our cold iron weapons at the ready and do as it says. Seems simple enough. Bow to the tree, grab the bark, say the word, take it, bring it to the statue out in the front hallway, and present it to him. Then we can take up our objections with him... personally. Manyiki, do you think you'd be able to handle the staff?"
Popol |
During a moment of réflexion that seem like a day, Popol understands something.
By Heaven, it was so simple!
"You are Laktharis" he says pointing the staff. "A intelligent staff of great power, maybe of artifact power. That will explain why a demon would have needed order. You have dominate or summon him. And what better than a branch for to have falling from a tree?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Korai Shardwing |
Korai raises an eyebrow. "Not sure how you came to that conclusion, but sure. Although, we still have to clear this place, so I think either way we are likely to do his bidding. The big question becomes what his response is. Will he be fair and evenhanded or will he get a face full of cold iron. And steel. And deadly magic."
EndlessForms |
The tree indeed seems to be the staff. You aren't sure exactly what the bronze-skinned humanoid is but Manyki's healing is enough to wake him, although he is still in obvious pain from one missing arm and his other mutilated one. "Stitched demon..." he whispers. "Laktharis... use the staff, I've protected it from him for now."
As Popol comes into the room, he can clearly see an invisible demon stitched together in the same way as Valais; he was trying to hide behind the tree when you entered.
The voice then speaks through your heads again. "I sense something familiar. You! You are one of the abominations. Has the one-eyed surgeon tracked me here? Are you his slaves? I will destroy him and all of his pawns, for I have advanced beyond the simple machinations of his lab! I am as far beyond demons as they are beyond you."
1d20 ⇒ 4
Valais lets out a low growl and says, "THEY ARE PAWNS! BE RID OF THEM AND I WILL RETRIEVE THE STAFF FOR YOU!" She looks ready to rush forward and claim the staff as her own.
v: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Popol: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Korai: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Jaysin: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Quillen: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Manyki: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Initiative:
1. Popol, Korai, and Manyki
2. Valais and Laktharis
3. Jaysin and QUillen
Popol, Korai, and Manyki are up!
Korai Shardwing |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
"Popol or Manyki, grab the staff... Valais, get a hold of yourself, and as for you foul creature hiding like a coward, know this... If you force me to make any aggressive move towards my friend Valais, I will find you... and I will kill you." As he says this, he twirls his pepperbox, making a sweeping motion that covers both Valais and the general direction that Popol is staring, and he quickdraws his cold-iron dagger at the same time.
Dazzling display to demoralize (or frighten) all foes within 30 ft, including Valais (particularly her demon half).
Intimidate: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Cape Trick extends demoralize for: 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds
DC = 10 + target's HD + target's Wis mod, 4 rounds of demoralize = 1 round of frightened
To the voice in his head and the party as a whole he mutters "We are here to destroy that traitor's work. Valais is only a pawn as long as you bring the worst out in her. She fights for control but is losing."
Manyki Marcellus |
sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Manyki draws his sword and moves between Val and the tree
"I am sorry Val BY IOMADAE'S LIGHT BEGONE"
Channels energy to harm evil outsiders no exclusions will save dc16 for half damage energy damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) = 12
If Val attempts to move past him provoking an aoo Manyki will also make a trip attempt cmb trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 (using a foot to avoid the -4 penalty)
EndlessForms |
Sorry for the delay! Terribly busy day today so I am posting much later than usual.
Will: 1d20 ⇒ 4
The invisible voice only laughs back at Korai. "The traitor, as you call him, was on to something great! And I surpassed even his expectations!" The voice then cuts off short as it shrieks in pain from Manyki's holy energy, although it doesn't seem to have any effect on Valais. Popol then bravely reaches for the tree, which becomes a staff in his hand as the runes wink out.
Valais howls in rage as the staff is taken up by Popol. She takes out her frustration on Manyki:
claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
acid: 1d6 ⇒ 4
claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
acid: 1d6 ⇒ 1
gore: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
acid: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Popol is still the only one able to see the demon, which is now stalking over to the side of the room and casting a spell on himself.
For Popol:
Initiative:
1. Popol, Korai, and Manyki
2. Valais and Laktharis (12 dmg)
3. Jaysin and QUillen
You guys are up!
Korai Shardwing |
After seeing the grievous wounds dealt to Manyki he falls back to give aid.
"Snap out of it Valais... right... this... INSTANT!"
Beak, nonlethal: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 30
Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 nonlethal
Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6 nonlethal
Sickened for 3 rounds, -2 penalty on attacks, an additional -2 on attacks that target me
"Popol, remember to read the runes in the dirt! Manyiki, fall back, I can take a flurry from her if she doesn't calm down but I don't think you can take another."
Jaysin Deckert |
Assuming I can now see the enemy in glitter, Jaysin decides the let arrows do the talking for him!
Bow: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33 for Arrow: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 and Manyshot: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Bow: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 for Arrow: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Bow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 for Arrow: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Confirm?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 for Arrow: 2d8 + 24 ⇒ (5, 6) + 24 = 35 and Does Manyshot crit?: 2d8 + 24 ⇒ (7, 7) + 24 = 38
Quillen |
Quillen scowls at the sight of Valais tearing into Manyki.
Somersaulting into the room's center (5ft step, just sounds exciting), Quillen's face twists into that of an enraged dictator.
"NON NON NON!"
The halfling stamps his feet like an angry toddler in an apparent tantrum.
"You demons do not know who you 'ave angered! It is I! Ze mighty zwordzman from ze wall ze day ze demons attacked! Mademoiselle Valais, to ze foyer or face zertain death!"
Full round action to Dazzling Display. Quillen's both frightening and memorable, so his demoralize duration is effectively +2rds longer than whatever the check results in (every 5 over the DC is +1rd). If he gets 4+ rds (which means just beating the DC by 5), he can cause targets to be frightened, which he will choose to do so for Valais.
Dazzling Display: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
DC=10 + Target's HD + Wisdom modifier.
EDIT: Too bad no panache is gained for critting an intimidate!
HP: 56/56; AC: 24* (T17/FF18)
Underfoot: +1AC vs larger opponents
Cautious Figher: When fighting defensively, +5 instead of +3
F: +5*, R: +13, W: +2
Charmed Life Used: 1/3
Panache Pool: 3/3
EndlessForms |
Will: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Korai tries to knock some sense into Valais, but it seems the demon in her has won over for the moment. Quillen's trantrum, however, has made her rethink how badly she wants that staff; she looks ready to run out of the room.
Meanwhile Popol reveals the demon to the side so that everyone can see its glittery outline. Jaysin then sinks a few arrows into the demon, leaving it fairly wounded!
Initiative:
1. Popol, Korai, and Manyki
2. Valais and Laktharis
3. Jaysin and Quillen
V: 7 nl, sickened 3 rnds, -2 against Korai, frightened
L: 62 dmg, shaken 5 rounds
Manyki is up!
Korai Shardwing |
Not that it matters since she's frightened now, but my debilitating injury is -2 to attacks against everyone, and an additional -2 to attacks against me. At the moment she should have -6 to attacks from fear, sick, and injury, -8 if they are against me.
Manyki Marcellus |
Manyki decides to bring his own light show to bear on the demon burst of radiance Be blind for blind or dazzled rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 2 dc 16 reflex save to merely be dazzled all evil creatures take damage: 5d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 4, 1, 1) = 11
"Now we see you! You don't see us! says Manyki relieved to not have Val attack again