| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
You mewl for sleep... This is why... Kyuss will triumph...
Solrisa giggles.
”Where do you hide, voice? You sound like a dog behind a fence, barking at its betters. If you wish to put your faith in Kyuss against mine in The Dragon, you can come find us. The Dragon would love to show you what righteous might can feel like,” Solrisa explains cheerily.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Eidi, do you see anything?" he asks, in a hushed growl.
Eidi looks around, scanning the place with his see invisibility "To be frank Mortimer, I think this nastiness is just in our minds. Its just magic, I can do it myself"
The half-elf produces the shell of a chicken egg and a piece of shell from a cocatrice and casts telepathic bond on the party.
You can hear me too now, isn't it? This herald is just using telepathy with us
Dragotha is only... a minion. You worship... the dog... at the side... of Kyuss? Very well... you are done here... It does not matter... where you spend... the rest of your... short lives... Go now.
HP = 81/87
Equipped = None
Conditions = Heroes’ Feast (1/12h), Magic Vestment (+3, 1/13h), Status (1/13h, Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol), Brightest Light (1/13h), Air Walk Communal (5/20m), Telepathic Bond (1/110m)
Life Link (14)(100’) = Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol
Channel Energy (0/10)(4/8) (DC: 26)(Avoid 8, 35’r, 1/1 swift) (7d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Vest of Surgery (1/1) (Heal DC 20 to heal 1d4 ability damage)
Spellguard Bracers (1/3) (Roll concentration twice and take the best result)
Physician’s Spectacles (1/1) (Delay Poison)(Constant: Detect Poison, Diagnose Disease)
Expeditious (3/3) (swift +10’ movement)
Melee Attack: BAB +10/+5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +10/+5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 14, Concentration +23)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark,
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (3/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Endure Elements, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (2/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Protection from Evil Communal, Status
Third (19): (2/8) Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Invisibility Purge, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer, Speak with Dead*
Fourth (20): (1/7) Blessings of Fervor, Brightest Light, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Speak with Haunt*, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (21): (3/7) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Burst of Glory, Cleanse, Cure Light Wounds Mass
Sixth (22): (2/6) Cure Moderate Wounds Mass, Heal, Heroes’ Feast, Wind Walk
Seventh (23): (2/4) Cure Serious Wounds Mass, Greater Restoration, Particulate Form
* Caster Level +2
”Well as you say,” he nods to Mort while ‘talking’ to the voice, ”We’re going to go now, but we’ll be back. So you can keep on doing what you do best… wait. Thanks!”
He then switches channels and communicates just with the party, ”Great spell there Eidi, you should cast this earlier - this is fun! Anyway, Mort’s right. We should get while the getting is good. Rest up some, and come back in here fresh tomorrow and see if we can track down this voice. Let’s get going.”
Having recently recast Air Walk, he needn’t do it again. He gestures back the way they came and follows the group in the rear as usual. On the way up, he checks everyone with Status so he can plan any necessary healing when they get to the top.
Eidi smiles and nods to Ascaria "Join hands with me, I will just teleport us to a more secure place"
Trying to avoid any exact thought of where to go, in order to try avoid the Herald's mind, Eidi casts dimension door and brings the party to the surface.
Provided the group can reach a safe place, in the jungle like last time for example, Eidi sets an extended rope trick for the group to rest for the day.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"You can hear me too now, isn't it? "
[ ... blah blah blah ... ]
Mortimer suppresses a tired whimper.
"ERmm," he grumbles aloud uncomfortably. It's getting crowded in here.
"Join hands with me, I will just teleport us to a more secure place"
"From now on, I think Eidi is the only person who should be inside our heads. Can you use that to kick other, er -- entities -- out?" Mortimer thinks as he rises from the divan, gathers up the loot and joins hands. "Also, you don't have to use it that often... I hope.
Solrisa waits for the cowardly lyin' to show itself, but when it does not, she consents to leave and come back another day, figuring the scaredy evil will still be there in the morning.
"Oh hand holdies!" Solrisa offers a hand to Eidi, and then to Eri.
And with no further investigation into the Ziggurat, the Outcasts quite spent, Eidi makes sure to hasten their exit with a swift dimensional flick straight upwards, and outside of the Spire of Long Shadows. Once outside, the gnome's communal air-walking ability sees everyone safely outside of the Obsidian Ring, and the corrupted grounds within it.
The air surrounding Kuluth Mar greets you with a humid embrace, the sound of distant screeching quite the contrast to the dead silence that waits beneath the Ziggurat.
The evening comes, and within the Rope Trick, the tomb raiders sleep safely enough.
...
The next morning arrives, and with it, a renewed dedication to finding the Voice, and silencing it.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Solrisa rises early to pray and meditate, but it doesn’t last long when she comes over to see if Ascaria is awake and going to provide magic breakfast. She sits next to him, staring and waiting with a smile on her face. She tries to keep quiet, but the thought of magic breakfast has her ‘accidentally’ jangling her armor or clanking her sword.
”Oh! Are you awake, Ascaria?!” Solrisa cheers when the gnome seems to be stirring awake. ”Is it time for magic breakfast!? I want ham! And cheese! Can there be ham and cheese please!?” Solrisa is really excited about magic breakfast.
Then she looks serious at Ascaria.
”Oh...and can we have some of those swirly cinnamon things? I love those swirly cinnamony things. Can I have two? I’m going to need them if I’m going to go kill Kyuss today.”
When the gnome finally rises, Sol will follow him around ‘patiently’ (politely turning her back when he hits the loo tree), while she awaits magic breakfast.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Eri grabs Solrisa's hand with a weak smile and prepares for the open air. He remains quiet and stares a little longer than normal.
I do not like the damage. We did a lot of good today, but I need rest.
He sighs and gets ready for some downtime.
Eri sets up his hammock and then prestidigitates everyone free of the the murk.
"Ascaria, do have any wine or beer to sip? I need a drink."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
HP = 87/87
Equipped = None
Conditions = Magic Vestment (+3, 1/13h), Status (1/13h, Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol), Brightest Light (1/13h), Air Walk Communal (5/20m)
Life Link (14)(100’) = Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol
Channel Energy (10/10)(8/8) (DC: 26)(Avoid 8, 35’r, 1/1 swift) (7d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Vest of Surgery (1/1) (Heal DC 20 to heal 1d4 ability damage)
Spellguard Bracers (3/3) (Roll concentration twice and take the best result)
Physician’s Spectacles (1/1) (Delay Poison)(Constant: Detect Poison, Diagnose Disease)
Expeditious (3/3) (swift +10’ movement)
Melee Attack: BAB +10/+5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +10/+5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 14, Concentration +23)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark,
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (8/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Endure Elements, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (7/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Protection from Evil Communal, Status
Third (19): (5/8) Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Invisibility Purge, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer, Speak with Dead*
Fourth (20): (6/7) Blessings of Fervor, Brightest Light, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Speak with Haunt*, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (21): (6/7) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Burst of Glory, Cleanse, Cure Light Wounds Mass
Sixth (22): (6/6) Cure Moderate Wounds Mass, Heal, Heroes’ Feast, Wind Walk
Seventh (23): (4/4) Cure Serious Wounds Mass, Greater Restoration, Particulate Form
* Caster Level +2
- - -
The night before, Ascaria does what he can for the parties comfort. He checks everyone (magically) thoroughly for injury and, seeing flickers on Eidi and Mot, he breaks out the diamond dust. He casts Restoration on each of them to improve their intelligence.
Satisfied, he rumbles around a little before producing wineskins. He casts Create Water to fill them, then Enhance Water on each producing a rosé wine in one and a light frothy beer in the other. He passes them around saying, ”This is OK for now, but I have plans for better. I hope to have access to a well stocked cellar when all is said and done. Every night! I mean the rope trick is fine, but not totally secure, and a little cramped with all the snoring.” he looks at Mort, but he suspects Eri of nocturnal emissions as well…
In the morning he rolls back over as Sol tries to wake him. ”I think Eidi’s doing breakfast. Go ask him.”
As usual every morning, Ascaria ensorcels the shields of the party (Sol, Mort, Ascaria). Over breakfast he'll watch over his friends and refresh everyones Life Link just in case...
Magic Vestment
Status
Later, after properly fortified, and ready to enter the lair once more, Ascaria fires off another Air Walk Communal and Brightest Light.
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
Eidi collapses at his place in the rope trick "That would be great to have a better place for resting. I will rest on it during the night." he feels much better after the gnome's restoration "Thanks a lot Ascaria, that's widely appreciated"
"I still can do some crafting before going to sleep. Wis Solrisa's bracers being a reality I can take new projects, if you have any idea you would like me to craft for you" the elder looks at Solrisa's bracers delighting himself at their beauty.
----------------------------
The next day the half-elf wakes up in much better mood. He smiles at Ascaria's proposal "Sure! Let's see it done!" with a 10 minutes preparation to set the table in the humble extra-dimensional hole a hero's feast is brought into existence. Cinnamon cookies take a special spot for the well stocked table, but multiple cheese, including goat cheese from the Five Kings Mountains, Taldor's infamous goat cheese or even the exotic Belkzen chinchilla's cheese. There is of course space for those who better enjoy the taste of Taldor's assorted hams or Qadira's ostrich eggs at the brulé style. As for the drinks, most of the table is covered with Varisian cow milk, but there is also Andoran wine and tasty orange juice from Osirion's fertile alluvial plains.
While eating the elder comments on the day's duties "What do you think of this Harbinger?"
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
"*OR* this belt," he says, holding up his Belt of Physical Might. "It's very nice and everything, but I don't know. It seems like it is missing something."
"Every night! I mean the rope trick is fine, but not totally secure, and a little cramped with all the snoring.”
"ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz," Mortimer responds, having long since passed out somewhere in the middle of the Restoration (after the partaking of beer, of course).
~~~
Mortimer wakes early, having had a splendid sleep, and immediately digs his new Book out of the Haversack while waiting for Eidi to prepare Breakfast.
"Hmmm. Need to cut back on the beer..." he mutters to himself.
He continues poring over the Book during breakfast as he partakes of sultana laced oatmeal, sprouted chia seed shake, yogurt and mixed nuts, brown rice, warm sprouted quinoa breakfast salad with goat cheese, orange juice, and a grilled mackerel.
He throws 4 ostrich egg whites into a glass with one whole ostrich egg, guzzles the concoction, wipes a bit of spill off of the Book, and continues reading.
"What do you think of this Harbinger?"
"I think it's afraid of us," declares Mortimer, his voice baritone and confident. "I almost feel sorry for it, having been given no name but 'Harbinger'. Did It want us to tell It stories from the outside? Is it corporeal do you think? Is it cursed to just sit and wait for the last prophecy to be fulfilled, having led a miserable life of doing nothing but just waiting? Is it good that it thinks Solrisa worships Dragotha? Does it secretly resent Kyuss for locking it up so? Could we leverage this to our advantage?"
Mortimer shakes his head. "It's probably just non-personified Evil. I do think that it is afraid of us."
He looks up from his Book at Eidi, as a new thought emerges. "Does it want to know what you learned from eating the Bookworm? What is the last prophecy anyway?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
When Ascaria starts with the restorations Eri gets in line behind Mort and waits patiently. When he is passed by he clears his throat and taps Canary on the shoulder.
"Ah yeh, in the commotion maybe you missed my . Can I please have my paltry poopy brain back?
The next morning Eri wakes up with a dry mouth, smacking his lips trying to get the saliva pooled in there again. He's rolls out of the hammock and makes his way to the table. He tries to say thanks to Eidi but all he does is croak until he get something to drink. He again tries a little bit of everything and ends up stuffed.
"Thanks Eidi, this is delicious!"
"Ah yeh, in the commotion maybe you missed my . Can I please have mypaltrypoopy brain back?
"But of course my dear Eri!" Ascaria provides a restoration for Eri as well, converting a higher level spell slot to do so.
While eating the elder comments on the day's duties "What do you think of this Harbinger?"
"Thanks for the breakfast Eidi - I see I have a lot to learn." Ascaria grins as he wipes a bit of effort off his face. "I dunno about that guy. I don't like that he's in my head, but we'll find a way to take him down if he's evil."
Mortimer shakes his head. "It's probably just non-personified Evil. I do think that it is afraid of us."
"Oh, I agree, if it is corrupt as everything else down here, then yes - Evil with a capital 'E'. I'm just not sure. It seemed confused more than anything, but you're probably right. It's confused because it's afraid. I just hope it's more afraid than I am!" Ascaria grins, but he's not looking forward to descending one more time into the pit.
When the others are ready, he tips his hat and says, "Let's begin." and he casts Air Walk Communal as previously mentioned.
"Let's sing something, to brighten that dreary place," says Mortimer as they prepare to go, arms stretched overhead as he cracks his neck and shoulders."How about it? Does anyone know any good songs?"
"Also, Sol -- please may I have the Barkskin?"
"Also, Sol -- please may I have the Barkskin?"
Solrisa squees with delight, looking over the feast with eyes for the food that Mort requested.
”Oh! I haven’t tried this yet!” Solrisa says excitedly, reaching for the bowl of bark skin (link) and offering it to Mort before taking a piece for herself.
”Oh! It’s so minty!” Sol’s eyes pop with delight. ”I’ve never had such good bark before, Eidi! This is a great feast!”
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Eidi nods to Mortimer "No problem, I will work in that amulet at my best. Let's start giving it magic and then we can just add the ghost touch. Give me just some days"
----------------------
"It's fine sometimes others take care of you Ascaria. I hope that was to your delight, and you are more reserved to keep being our bone base" the elder smiles to the tough gnome, then to all the others for the well received food.
"I think we must come back to the library so I can consume the rest of the worms. I feel that knowledge have helped me to understand and the remaining ones might contain just the clue we need to solve this convoluted deadlock" Eidi looks strangely cold.
Eidi really needs those bookworms.
"I think we already covered all the rooms underground. That means we probably should check into the appex once again" comments Eidi afterwards.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
He has a name, this Voice so recently passing over your mind- Mak'ar, Harbinger of Worms. Your mind chews its way through a number of ancient memories, revealed to you through the dissolution of a consumed worm of Kyuss... Harbinger, harbinger, harbinger...
You alight upon the connection.
You've seen him. You've all seen him. You simply didn't have a name.
The Third Vision lent you insight, which now makes more sense- Mak'ar is the Harbinger of Worms, gifter of Worm to Kyuss. A Spellweaver, an ancient race.
But not an immortal race.
There is a single hallway you failed to investigate, on the south side of the cavernous Lake of Worms. Dimly lit, but certainly crafted into the stone of the complex.
This is the only place you haven't visited...
"Thanks Eidi, and you're right. It is time I get someone to take care of me. Past time I should think..." He thinks hard about what sort of person that might be.
Ascaria cracks his knuckles and flexes all his fingers. He touches the shot-glass sized flagon around his neck. He straightens his vest and wishes, surprisingly, for the time for a nice relaxing smoke. Hasn't taken up the pipe in a while he realizes, but there it is in his vest pocket waiting for him.
Shrugging away the last of the cobwebs, Ascaria advances on the halfway - the only place yet to be visited - his light guiding the way, though he walks behind Mort and Sol.
"Let's root these bastards out."
Eidi's brain seems to slip back to a past life perhaps not lived by him, but a confusing mixture of memories "I have seen the Harbinger before, I somehow now his face, it is like if I have lived this myself but I am unsure. Am I getting senile?"
"Indeed we have all seen him. Do you remember the six armed man? He is Mak'ar, the Harbinger of Worms. And that is it because it was him who gave the worm to Kyuss, as we all saw in the vision" the elder seems to chew his words "A spellweaver. Again"
"Thanks Eidi! Maybe I will hang onto the amulet for now, for battle next," he nods. "...when that's over."
~~~
"A spellweaver. Again"
"Again?" Mortimer asks. "That's the second time you've said that 'Again' -- have you encountered one before? If they can weave spells, can they unweave spells? What are they like?"
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
"Sorry?" Eidi looks back absentmindedly at Mortimer "We have again seen a spellweaver. Well I have seen at least. So again a spellweaver we have seen. If it was not a spellweaver, like say, a mindflayer, then I could not say again, because we have not seen any mindflayer. Because mindflayers do not exist. In fact we are forbidden to tell that name. That name is forbidden, you know that Mortimer? Do not say mindflayer again"
Mortimer thinks about this for a second, considering the notion that Eidi might be making light of his curiosities.
Who said 'mindflayer'?
"Ah, I saw the Spellweaver in the vision too, but it's the same one, so you should say 'The Spellweaver. Again.'."
If I say 'mindflayer', is he gonna stop making breakfast for me? Mort looks at Ascaria. There is always Canary. I wonder if he could mix the spread up more...
"But those -- mind er, you know. They do exist. We killed one. So if we see another, I could say -- 'A mind er, you know. Again.' Because, it couldn't be the same one."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Eidi's eyes open wide while Mortimer talks and he looks to one side then another expecting something bad to happen. Eventually he relaxes again "Anyway, you better do not go around saying you have dead one of those. There are scarier forces in the multiverse you cannot punch with your fist or enchant with magics" the elder remains quite for a second with a silly look, then calmly bites a cinnamon cookie before resuming "You might be right Mort. I should have said 'That spellweaver. Again' but again, I was thinking on a different bunch of spell weavers perhaps"
"Anyway Ascaria is right, we have that corridor to the south of the lake to investigate, so let's just move in before the worms erase all of us" the half-elf moves along and casts mage armor, defending bone, see invisibility and heroism on himself before entering the Ziggurat.
If there are still worms in the tunnel down, Eidi casts dimension door to ease the access down to the lake area.
SPELLS
(Arcane: CL 13; Concentration +19; Divine: CL 11; Concentration +14)
Level 0
Wizard - (at will; 4 prepared)
open/close
message
prestidigitation
light
Cleric - (at will; 4 prepared)
detect magic
create water
guidance
mending
Level 1 (pearls of power I: 2/2)
Wizard - (7/day)
ray of enfeeblement (For 17)
* mage armor
enlarge person
4x magic missile
Cleric - (6/day)
shield of faith -D
obscuring mist
unbreakable heart
remove fear
remove sickness
sun metal
Level 2
Wizard - (7/day)
blindness/deafness (For 18)
* see invisibility (opposed)
rope trick
alter self
2x acid arrow
Cleric - (6/day)
zone of truth - D
remove paralysis
align weapon
surmount affliction
* defending bone
consecrate
Level 3 (pearls of power III: 1/1)
Wizard - (6/day)
ray of exhaustion (For DC 19)
2x haste
displacement
heroism
aqueous orb (Ref 19)
Cleric - (6/day)
prayer - D
chain of perdition
dispel magic
paragon surge
resist energy, communal (10 min/level)
summon monster III
Level 4
Wizard - (5/day)
enervation
2x dimension door
wall of ice
river of wind (Fort 20)
Cleric - (4/day)
holy smite (Vol 17) - D
death ward
freedom of movement
dimensional anchor
Level 5
Wizard - (4/day)
enervation (level 4 in level 5 slot)
teleport
icy prison (Ref 21)
+1 arcane level 4 open slot
Cleric - (3/day)
telepathic bond - D
breath of life
+1 divine level 4 open slot
Level 6
Wizard - (3/day)
2x major curse (Will 22)
psychic Asylum
Cleric - (2/day)
heroes feast - D
heal
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"No, Sol -- not the candy -- the Wand of Barkskin -- can you use that on me for me? Is it out of charges?"
~~~
Mortimer shrugs at Eidi, and trails behind everyone on the way to the Ziggurat singing (not terrifically on key, either).
Ah-ah, ah!
Ah-ah, ah!
We come from the land of the ice and snow
From the midnight sun, where the hot springs flow
The hammer of the gods...
The Outcasts Air Walk into the sky above the grounds of Kuluth Mar. As you cross the Obsidian Ring, you are almost immediately greeted by a familiar Voice.
You are back... as you promised... There is nothing here... except your own deaths... Unless you seek... to sacrifice something... and gain something...?
No... I think... you mean... to destroy me... as you did... the Knights...
You will regret... your decision...
For the wise half-elf's consideration, you will be able to subvert the various still-living worm nagas in the Pit by dimensionally leaping to the Lake below.
Ascaria votes #2!
Ascaria listens to Eidi and Mort discussing what they face. Sounds tough.
When the group lands, he waits a moment to see if anything happens to them. After all the opposition has had time to prepare as well...
"I think we must come back to the library so I can consume the rest of the worms. I feel that knowledge have helped me to understand and the remaining ones might contain just the clue we need to solve this convoluted deadlock"
Sense Motive
Solrisa nods, trying to follow all of Eidi's thoughts. She is, as always, supportive and smiling. She is happy to help the cookie-provider get his worms if that is what he wants. She prefers cookies to worms, but Sol isn't judgemental at all.
"Yes, Eidi! We will get you all wurms you can eat. I like cookies, you like wurms and that's okay. Yes, this is a good plan. First, we kill the bad cowardly voice, then we get you wurms, okay?" Solrisa cheers. "I'll help smash that bad 6 armed spellbeaver, I'm sure. I'm not afraid of dam-makers with big teeth."
As the party prepares to open the south door, Sol will cast Death Ward on herself.
You are back... as you promised... There is nothing here... except your own deaths... Unless you seek... to sacrifice something... and gain something...?
No... I think... you mean... to destroy me... as you did... the Knights...
Solrisa smiles. She is used to such talk. Rae used to talk about killing mountains and stabbing waves until they died...they were, of course, ridiculous. But Rae loved to speak of such things: battling wind, or smiting burps, or crushing water...things that were not possible. Sol thinks this voice is the same.
"No. I am coming for you. With The Dragon you shall be ended. That is the way this will end. You and your wurmies. Kyuss too, if he will face me. Today, I release you from your lies," Solrisa thinks back. There is neither bravado nor fear in Sol's words, just certainty. Sol is just Sol, neither boastful nor proud, she is just certain of what she believes. In the Dragon.
"I think we must come back to the library so I can consume the rest of the worms. I feel that knowledge have helped me to understand and the remaining ones might contain just the clue we need to solve this convoluted deadlock"
Deadlock?!
"Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa! Wait --," Mortimer intervenes in the forward progress by stepping in front of and halting all everybody. "I'm fine with by-passing the Bloatworms and Field of Hate, Eidi, he explains, "and killing the Misplweav, er -- 'Harbinger' -- but I don't think anyone needs to metabolize more worms. What if that's what the Harbinger wants?! What if that's the thing that fulfills the Prophesy?!"
"Eidi, what's going on in you?" his eyes flicker toward Ascaria. "What are you thinking?! No more eating worms!"
If we've still gotten this far, Mortimer will join the gnome and the Maiden in door number two, unless that leads to more eating worms.
Eidi nods smiley as Solrisa supports him but gets quickly frustrated when Mortimer faces him "Those worms hold ancient knowledge that will be lost in time if they are spoiled. Some strong will has to take control of them before a follower of Kyuss does. How otherwise will we know what are we fighting and defeat Kyuss age?"
The half-elf relaxes for a second trying to focus in the task at hand "Ok. We can delay the bookworms consumption for now. Let's see what is it there in the southern door"
Once landed Eidi follows Ascaria and Solrisa ready to open the door.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
After breakfast Eri casts Mage Armor (+4 for 12 hours) on himself.
"I'll help smash that bad 6 armed spellbeaver, I'm sure. I'm not afraid of dam-makers with big teeth.”
”Spellbeavers are the worst. It’s almost impossible to get around their dams. They would prefer to stop the flow of everything around them, not just water.”
"Ok. We can delay the bookworms consumption for now.”
”Yes, delay is good, but take some time to think about the consequences. It is absolutely important to understand what has gone on in the past so it can be avoided in the future.
Usually the worst thing that can happen from that is some paper cuts or a book dropped on your toe or having to sit through a thousand stories repeated a thousand times about ‘The War’. These worms, however, could have dire consequences and may enable, rather than prevent.”
AC: 19 (mage armor)
HP: 69
Weapon equipped: +2, Veering Composite Long Bow [spoiler=bow deets]
+16 or +14/+14 (fight+1, sorc +3, ER +6, WF +1 dex +3 bow +2 )
PB: +17 or +15/+15 within 30' with +1 dam
Damage bump: +6 [+2 (bow) +1(str) +1 (feat ex pull) +2 (feat arcane weap)
Conditions: 5x5
HP 69/ 69(base hp) AC 15, 19 (19 w/mage armor) Cold Iron Arrows: 80]
AC 15 or 19 [dex +3, amu +2, m. armor +4]
CMD 21
BAB +13
Fortitude +10 (+2 fight, +2 sorc, +3 ER, +3 cloak )
Reflex +11 (+2 fight, +2 sorc., +2 ER, +2 dex, +3 cloak)
Will +10 (+5 sorc., +2 ER, +3 cloak)
Defensive casting concentration check = +22 (@12th, with headband)
Spell Penetration= +16 (@12th) [feats: spell pen and greater spell pen]
Dispel magic level check= +14 (@12th)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
b]Orisons[/b] DC:16(Acid Splash, Create Water, Detect Magic, Disrupt Undead, Mage Hand, Spark, Message, Prestidigitation, Read Magic)
First Level: DC:17 (7/7 per day 3/4 stones) (Detect Secret Doors, Feather Fall, Grease. Gravity Bow, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, shocking grasp)
Second Level: DC:18 (7/7 per day) (Acid Arrow,Admonishing Ray, Knock, Scorching Ray, Glitterdust)
Third Level: DC:19 (6/6 per day) (Battering Blast, Dispel Magic, Fireball, Mad Monkeys, Lightning Bolt)
Fourth Level: DC:20 (7/7 per day) (Detect Scrying, Rigor Mortis, Summon Monster IV)
Fifth Level: DC:21 5/5 per day) (Parchment Swarm, Sonic Thrust)
Sixth Level: DC:22 (4/4 per day) (Elemental Assessor)
Thunder staff charges: 7/7 (extra d6 dam, 3 rnds ea.)
Shock rounds /4
Quick Runner’s Shirt Charge 1/1
[/spoiler]
HP = 87/87 +7 temp hp
Equipped = None
Conditions = Hero’s Feast (1/12h), Magic Vestment (+3, 1/13h), Status (1/13h, Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol), Brightest Light (1/13h), Air Walk Communal (5/20m), Protection from Evil (1/20r)
Life Link (14)(100’) = Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol
Channel Energy (10/10)(8/8) (DC: 26)(Avoid 8, 35’r, 1/1 swift) (7d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Vest of Surgery (1/1) (Heal DC 20 to heal 1d4 ability damage)
Spellguard Bracers (3/3) (Roll concentration twice and take the best result)
Physician’s Spectacles (1/1) (Delay Poison)(Constant: Detect Poison, Diagnose Disease)
Expeditious (3/3) (swift +10’ movement)
Melee Attack: BAB +10/+5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +10/+5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 14, Concentration +23)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark,
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (8/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Endure Elements, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (6/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Protection from Evil Communal, Status
Third (19): (5/8) Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Invisibility Purge, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer, Speak with Dead*
Fourth (20): (6/7) Blessings of Fervor, Brightest Light, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Speak with Haunt*, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (21): (6/7) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Burst of Glory, Cleanse, Cure Light Wounds Mass
Sixth (22): (6/6) Cure Moderate Wounds Mass, Heal, Heroes’ Feast, Wind Walk
Seventh (23): (4/4) Cure Serious Wounds Mass, Greater Restoration, Particulate Form
* Caster Level +2
- - -
Ascaria too is uneasy about worm consumption. "Yeah, Eidi, I'm not sure that's a good idea. Those worms are dangerous, and may do damage to you I cannot heal. You should be careful, but it's your body and your choice. Still, I side with the others suggesting delay."
"We need you now. The team is greater than the parts, but we need all the parts." he grins looking up at the old man.
Satisfied he's said his piece, he moves to the doors. Just before they're opened, he casts Protection from Evil, communal , touching everyone.
The gnome chooses... wisely. In consultation with the whole of the Outcasts, it is decided that they should travel dimensionally directly to the northern landing of the Lake, overlooking the stillness of the sea of worms.
But you are not alone.
Behind you, several Wormswarms make sure you will never set foot on the floor, as their 10' masses writhe in agitation at your arrival.
At the east and west, you can see a single Worm Naga, accompanied by a single Wormswarm. On the southern platform, two Nagas, and one Swarm.
The Lake itself quivers, as if it senses something charged in the air... and so it begins.
With snake-like speed, three of the Nagas chant a brisk litany of arcane words, and become Air Borne, though they do not move from their current positions.
The Nagas have cast Air Walk.
Ascaria: Heroes' Feast, Air Walk, Brightest Light, Status, Magic Vestment
Eidi: Heroes' Feast, Air Walk, Mage Armor, Defending Bone, See Invisibility, Heroism
Eri: Heroes' Feast, Air Walk, Mage Armor
Mortimer: Heroes' Feast, Air Walk, Barkskin, Magic Vestment
Solrisa: Heroes' Feast, Air Walk, Barkskin, Magic Vestment
Round: 1, Initiative: 18
HP = 87/87 +7 temp hp
Equipped = None
Conditions = Hero’s Feast (1/12h), Magic Vestment (+3, 1/13h), Status (1/13h, Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol), Brightest Light (1/13h), Air Walk Communal (5/20m), Protection from Evil (1/20r)
Life Link (14)(100’) = Eidi, Eri, Mort, Sol
Channel Energy (10/10)(8/8) (DC: 26)(Avoid 8, 35’r, 1/1 swift) (7d6+1+2d6 phylactery)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, re-roll to avoid worsening attitude)
Vest of Surgery (1/1) (Heal DC 20 to heal 1d4 ability damage)
Spellguard Bracers (3/3) (Roll concentration twice and take the best result)
Physician’s Spectacles (1/1) (Delay Poison)(Constant: Detect Poison, Diagnose Disease)
Expeditious (3/3) (swift +10’ movement)
Melee Attack: BAB +10/+5, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +10/+5, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 14, Concentration +23)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark,
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Light, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (8/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Endure Elements, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (6/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Protection from Evil Communal, Status
Third (19): (5/8) Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Invisibility Purge, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer, Speak with Dead*
Fourth (20): (6/7) Blessings of Fervor, Brightest Light, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration, Speak with Haunt*, Terrible Remorse
Fifth (21): (6/7) Air Walk Communal, Breath of Life, Burst of Glory, Cleanse, Cure Light Wounds Mass
Sixth (22): (6/6) Cure Moderate Wounds Mass, Heal, Heroes’ Feast, Wind Walk
Seventh (23): (4/4) Cure Serious Wounds Mass, Greater Restoration, Particulate Form
* Caster Level +2
- - -
Ascaria quickly casts Protection from Evil, communal as planned and moves through the party touching everyone. He ends slightly higher then he started at 15'. ”Looks like they were waiting for us. Damn worms…”
"Looks like they're walking on air, same as us."
"Holy eye!" the half-elf looks breathless at the apparition of no less than four new nagas "Fighting one was already a hell of a problem"
Without finding a quick response to protect the group from the gaze, Eidi produces a piece of quarz and casts wall of ice to at least delay the largest group of nagas "Shall we retreat before it is too late?"
The elder tries to keep looking at the group to not see any of the worms eyes.
AC = 19 (Eidi already has deflection bonuses so PfE does not stack)
HP = HP: 136/129 (DR 5/Bludgeoning 50/50)
Weapon Equipped = Staff
Condition(s) = mage armor 10h, defending bone 10h, see invisibility 2 h, heroism 2 h, heroes feast 12 h, air walk 140 min, protection from evil 2 min
"Holy eye!" the half-elf looks breathless at the apparition of no less than four new nagas "Fighting one was already a hell of a problem"
Without finding a quick response to protect the group from the gaze, Eidi produces a piece of quarz and casts wall of ice to at least delay the largest group of nagas "Shall we retreat before it is too late?"
"We're as fresh as can be, but I agree - I fear this may be too much for us. We could fall back to the Mage to resupply, give Mort time to read the book, give Eidi some time to make magics, and see if we can gather allies against this place."
Sruggut was a special Naga, one who learned the art of sorcery, for the time it spent with its books... These are lesser Naga, but still quite dangerous. Their reflexes are very poor, so tend to avoid direct confrontation, leaving their Gaze to fend off attackers, as well as applying their Enervations where they can...
The fourth Naga, Red, casts its own magics, and also rises into the air, to join its fellow Naga, though it, too, declines to move from its current position.
Blue and Green find themselves trapped behind a Wall of Ice, though the half-elf's spell has now prevented any forward march, until the spell has reached its end, or something removes it...
"Sruggut was a special case of a Naga though. These ones are lesser versions. They do not have good reflexes and probably will avoid frontal confrontation trying to profit their gaze and enervation at a distance" Eidi licks his lips trying to think "But Ascaria is right. Try not to place yourself in a bad position. If this proves too much we might want to teleport us to Egorian or Absalom"
"May I have some Elderflower tonic?" Moritmer asks quietly, wishing for once everyone could hear him think. "Maybe we can head around the back way to Red -- possibly narrow our profile?"
"We may want to regroup up top to discuss strategy..."
"I am cool with finding something that can let me see without seeing. I can lay down wide spells but I still need to see what I'm doing. I would like to take a moment and have a plan. "
"I agree with Mort, let us fall back and consider strategy here. I do not think we can best four of these, and I'm the optimist! Everyone stay close to Eidi"
Ascaria braces for their first move, but stays close to Eidi for extraction.
Sol looks at Ascaria, then Mort, then Eidi. She crestfall slightly, looking at the nagas.
"What? Are you sure? You want to leave? I'm happy to stay around and smite them all good," Solrisa says wistfully. "I don't want you all to get hurt, but also we need to stop these wormies and find that cowardly voice."
"Yes Sol, we need to withdraw and decide what our plan is. Hard to plan in the middle of battle!" he smiles.
"I'm not happy about it either," Mortimer says to Sol, "but we'll be back. Let's first assess what we might need."
Solrisa nods at Mort, then goes to join hands with Eidi so at least there was one good thing about all this. A good hand holding was never a bad thing.
"Alright, let's go."
She gives the nagas a look that seems to suggest that Sol will be back, probably with cookies, but also maybe to kill them too.
"Are you sure you don't want to try to fight them now? We might not be much more prepared than now unless we found some nice goggles for everyone " nevertheless, Eidi prepares himself to teleport back to the doors of the temple of Aroden in Korvosa.
"Eidi, let's just go topside for now. It may be we return shortly, and maybe not, but I'd like the option - even if it means we don't go to the city today."
"I just want to plan... See if we can think of something useful."