"Mutt" |
"Sure, what did you want to discuss?"
Mutt crosses his arms. "I am wondering about Calistria's faith. What's her stance on... relationships between two people?"
GM SpiderBeard |
The Temple itself is mostly crumbled into ruins and largely visible from the road. YOu take some time picking through the ruins, and although nothing of value is found, a trail of blood is found leading from a spot near the temple to... nothing. It cuts off abruptly.
Also of interest is the apparently intact statue, which is overgrown and caked in mud to the point of being unrecognizable.
Keanu Lusk |
Keanu tilts his head quizzically at the disappearing blood trail before moving over to the statue and absentmindedly clearing some of the muck from the statue's face.
Variel Duardlon |
Mutt crosses his arms. "I am wondering about Calistria's faith. What's her stance on... relationships between two people?"
Variel gets a surprised look on his face. "That they are just that ... between two people. Calistria encourages us to enjoy all manner of relationships, fleeting and serious. I'm curious what exactly you are really concerned about ... ?"
-----------
Finding nothing that seems immediately threatening, Variel joins Lusk in examining the statue. "The area seems clear, but I am curious about this statue. I don't suppose any of you others know a spell to wash or clean this off quickly? I don't want to spend too much time here with our actual goal ahead of us, but something about this has me intrigued."
Taking 10 for 29 Perception; with automatic assist from Lash (+13 bonus), that makes a 31.
If it becomes relevant: +10 in Knowledge Religion; +9 in Arcana, Dungeoneering, Local, Nature, and Planes; +3 in all others.
Fiona Sun-Touched |
Fiona walks up to the statue and hums a little tune. The dirt and grime on the statue starts to disappear and fall away.
Casting prestidigitation.
Thaddeus Claville |
"Huh. Well, ain't 'dat a dilly of a pickle? What's with 'dis here blood trail?"
Thaddeus mumbles and scans the area.
I cast Detect Magic and use that to scan the blood trail, especially where it terminates. I'll also search for tracks along the blood trail. +11 to Survival (So Take 10 of 21) and +10 to Perception.
"Mutt" |
Mutt watches as the others look at the statue. When Variel asks about cleaning spells, Mutt shakes his head. "I don't have any spells like that." He sees Thaddues investigating the blood trail. He decides to aid Thaddeus.
Taking 10 on Perception and Survival to aid Thaddeus. So that would be 21 on Perception and 20 on Survival.
Variel Duardlon |
Variel nods in understanding. "Ah, that sort of relationship. Yes, her being a temple priestess does complicate things a bit. Part of her job, her calling, involves being ... unencumbered, shall we say? It could be difficult for her to properly minister to others if she felt held back by an attachment. That isn't to say she doesn't have deeper feelings for you, but it could be difficult for her."
He gives Mutt the most honest and direct look the shoanti has ever seen from the elf. "I can't tell you not to have feelings for her, but a relationship will be difficult. My advice is to let things flow as they will, and let Isadora decide what is right for her. Then you have to be able to live with her decision. If you don't think you can do that, you might save yourself some grief by telling her now, and not pursuing it further."
Varius Liberare |
Thaddeus and Mutt take a good look over the blood trail. It looks like somebody was dragged, and there are several light footprints nearby. The detect magic spell reveals nothing, but if magic was used, only a longstanding or extraordinarily powerful spell would still show up. The tracks are at least a day old.
---
The prestidigitation spell does the trick, but it's tedious work. Fiona flicks her hand back and forth, sending the caked on clay and vegetation from side to side. With Keanu's help getting the trickier lumps, it takes around ten minutes to clear off the statue.
Beneath the clay muck is a beautiful crystalline statue of an elven woman in a traditional dress. In her hand she holds a star.
Variel recognizes the statue as being to the elven deity Findeladlara, the goddess of art and architecture. A feeling of joy and peace washes over the group as you finish clearing off the statue. With Variel it is particularly powerful.
Variel receives a +1 to will saves for the next three days. The rest of you for the remainder of this day. If you can figure out something to do with it, you have a 10,000 statue made of pure crystal as well.
Variel Duardlon |
Throwing us a curveball there, eh? ;-)
-------------
Variel stands back as the last of the mud is cleared away. The awe he feels is clear as he just smiles and stares.
After a moment, he regains his composure. "Thank you. I believe that was time well spent. I can only hope more such as this remains to be found."
He gives the others time to bask and appreciate the statue before picking up his shield and preparing to continue on to the laboratory.
-------------
Active effects:
Read Magic, Heightened Awareness, Discovery Torch (60/70 minutes remaining)
+1 to Will saves from Findeladlara statue (Day 1 of 3)
Keanu Lusk |
Does it have a different effect for half-elves?
"She's lovely. Hopefully she'll be in better hands once the city is retaken." Keanu thinks aloud before bowing respectfully to the statue.
"Mutt" |
Mutt watches as the others remove the last of the muck from the statue. He feels a sense of calm wash over him, briefly calming the rage dwelling within him. He approaches the others. "The blood trail. Looks like somebody was dragged. There are also several light footprints nearby. They're at least a day old." He looks at the statue. "Who is she?" He also tries to see where the footprints go and who or what could have left them.
Taking 10 on Perception and Survival again for 21 and 20 respectively.
Active Effects:
Ablative Barrier
Shield
+1 to Will saves from Findeladlara statue (Day 1/1)
Curren AC is 24
Variel Duardlon |
"Findeladlara ... she helps us preserve our ways and culture over the millennia by encouraging study of art and architecture. She reminds us to master tradition before attempting to innovate -- for why waste energy rebelling against something until you understand thoroughly that against which you rebel?"
He looks at the trail Mutt was studying. "Is there enough there to be worth trying to follow? If the tracks go in the direction we are already headed, it might be worth noting them as we go."
GM SpiderBeard |
There's a pretty clear line between scum and not-scum with most elven deities. Unfortunately the 'half' part is more important than the 'elf' part in this case.
The tracks look to be heading to the north, beyond the temple and onto some crumbled homes or even into the woods. However, they go for such a short distance it's hard to tell.
Variel Duardlon |
After the tracks quickly run out, Variel calls a halt to the search. "We have more pressing matters. Let us get on to the lab. We can try to find out more about this mystery after we have completed our mission."
Fiona Sun-Touched |
"Yes, let's. We've spent enough time here already."
GM SpiderBeard |
You head further down the street, thankfully avoiding any fights until you finally spy the ruined dome. It's fairly easy to tell that this is a site of the drow's alchemical weapons production; the dome appears to have only one visible entrance, but this approach is blocked by rubble and ponds of alchemical waste.
Map is updated.
"Mutt" |
Mutt shrugs. "Very well. Let's go."
EDITG: When they arrive at the building, Mutt frowns at the sight of the alchemical waste. "So, we found the place. How do we get in?" He takes a look around.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Thaddeus Claville |
Thaddeus plugs his nose as they reach the dome.
"Bleeah, is mah whole adult life gonna be smellin' 'da worst smells th'world has t'offer?"
"All Ah kin think'f is searchin' round fer anudder exit."
Variel Duardlon |
"Agreed, there must be a way in that isn't submerged."
Let's do a slow survey of the area, watching for traps and ambushes as we try to find another way in. My current take 10 Perception is 29, with an automatic assist from Lash to bring to a 31.
GM SpiderBeard |
To be clear, it's not submerged. You can absolutely walk across the waste. The waste is just unpleasant.
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
As the group begins to search around the area in a careful sweep Variel catches barely - just barely, the sight of a very strange creature clinging to one of the broken walls. Like a centaur, but with the body of a spider, and the torso of a drow. As he spies it, it vanishes!
No initiative yet. Last known location of the creature is on the map.
Variel Duardlon |
"อึ! I think we may have been spotted. A drow/spider centaur was on the wall, but it slipped away."
Seeing no better way in, he gestures around the tower. "Let's move this way and be ready."
Lit-up shield raised, whip in hand, Variel leads the way around to the entrance in the north.
Let's move around the dry east side of the tower toward the entrance in the north, keeping an eye out for the drow-spider.
Thaddeus Claville |
Thaddeus decides now is as good a time as any to start getting prepared for a likely upcoming fight.
Cast Mage Armour. It'll last for 14 hours.
EDIT: Decided not to cast Pattern Recognition.
I'll also load a bullet into my sling and keep it in one hand.
"Mutt" |
Mutt's brow raises as Variel calls out that they've been spotted. "We've been spotted by a what?" He draws his greataxe and moves with Variel, keeping an eye out for danger.
Active Effects:
Ablative Barrier
Shield
+1 to Will saves from Findeladlara statue (Day 1/1)
Current AC is 24
GM SpiderBeard |
Sorry for missing a day, parent running for mayor has me busy as hell.
Thaddueus casts a spell as the group circles around to the east side of the tower. As you move, Variel's keen ears pick up the sound of another spell being cast. It's from roughly the same area. You hear the quiet sound of clanking and guttural talking from within the dome itself.
Levitate.
I've moved you to the east side of the map, but position yourself where you think is appropriate.
Fiona Sun-Touched |
An oddly quiet Fiona finally speaks up.
Spellcraft?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
"Some kind of spell going up. Prepare for the worst." She then hums a little tune to inspire the rest of the team.
Casting good hope, and following it up with moment of greatness.
Variel Duardlon |
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Variel listens carefully, but can't quite make out the incantation. He stares at the tower as if trying to see through the walls.
Where did Variel see the drider, and where is the spellcasting coming from? Also, based on our positions, the 20' of light from my Discovery Torch spell should let us see into the tower unless there is a higher level Darkness magic effect in there.
"Mutt" |
Spellcraft?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Mutt frowns as he recognizes the spell being cast (somehow). "They're casting levitate. Be on guard. They might be levitating a monster or an object."
Variel Duardlon |
Variel shines his light and still can't find any trace of the drow-spider. He hands his whip to Lash, who hovers by his shoulder, and traces a rune in the air while calling out, "การล้างข้อมูลที่มองไม่เห็น!
Cast invisibility purge. For the next 7 minutes, invisible things within 35 feet of Variel are visible.
"Mutt" |
Mutt keeps an eye out for anything and everything that could ambush them.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
GM SpiderBeard |
That does it!
Variel's invisibility purge goes off, and he reveals the drider floating in the air nearby!
Variel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Thaddeus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Mutt: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
Fiona: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Keanu: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Drider: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Variel
Fiona
Mutt
Thaddeus
--
Drider
--
Lusk
Everyone but Lusk is up! Drider is flat-footed as you kinda surprised him with that one.
Variel Duardlon |
"มีคุณไอ้!
Spotting the creature at last, Variel tries to remember if he has heard anything about this strange hybrid creature.
Knowledge (dungeoneering) + Monster Lore: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
If that gets me anything, assume Variel passes it along to the party.
Lash looks up at the creature and says in a perfect imitation of Variel's voice, "มันง่ายกว่าที่คุณจะต่อสู้ที่นี่บนพื้นดิน ... คุณควรจะลงมาที่นี่."
Casting Suggestion. DC 15 Will save or the drider has to follow the suggestion to fight on the ground.
Variel takes his whip back from the impish wasp, and prepares to engage the creature.
Move action to take the whip back, then ready to attack as soon as it comes within 10 feet.
GM SpiderBeard |
Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Will Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Unfortunately Varius' spell is completely ignored by the drider.
[b]The rest of y'all are up! Wel except for Lusk. he must wait.
Variel Duardlon |
[dice=Spell Resistance]1d20+7
[dice=Will Save]1d20+9Unfortunately Varius' spell is completely ignored by the drider.
[b]The rest of y'all are up! Wel except for Lusk. he must wait.
Just to make sure you realized: it was Lash that cast the spell, so Variel has a readied action in case it does come down anyway.
"Mutt" |
Mutt glares at the drider. He then begins to chant and gesture as he casts a spell.
Casting enlarge person. Takes 1 round to cast.
Active Effects:
Ablative Barrier
Shield
+1 to Will saves from Findeladlara statue (Day 1/1)
Current AC is 24
Fiona Sun-Touched |
Round 1: Actions
Standard Action: Activate slippers of spider climbing
Move Action: Start running up the wall next to the drider!
Fiona clicks her heels together and starts running up the nearby wall.
Thaddeus Claville |
Thaddeus jumps back slightly, startled at the giant spider drow thing. It looks intimidating enough for Thaddeus to open up with a spell. He rolls his hands together, forming a ball of ice, and hurls it at the beast.
Cast Snowball at the Drider.
Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 1, 4, 5) = 14
If the touch is successful, make a DC 16 Fort save or be Staggered for 1 round.
GM SpiderBeard |
Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Thaddeus' snowball whaps the drider full in the face, but he manages to resist the worst of the spell. Mutt begins his slow journey to become Mega-Mutt as he increases in size, and Fiona rushes up the side of the wall, moving almost into melee range with the drider!
Scowling, the drider quickly chants a spell and sticky strands of web fire down to trap the group!
Don't have time to make the saves, so everyone but Fiona must make a DC 15 reflex save or be grappled! Everyone is up!
Variel Duardlon |
Variel Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Lash Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
"Gaaaaahh!"
Variel howls in frustration as he finds himself trapped by the webs. Lash is able to avoid the assault, and quickly flies up and back to get out of the area.
Concentration: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Closing his eyes and saying a word of prayer, the elf calls out, "ขอให้เปลวไฟของผู้ศรัทธาเผาศัตรูของเรา!"
Swift action to pronounce Judgment of Sacred Resistance (Resist Fire 6); Standard to cast Flames of the Faithful, giving his whip the Flaming Burst property. Move action to swing his whip in an arc in front of him, Lusk, and Mutt, destroying the web in a 10' arc.
Fire damage for being in a burning web: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 Negated by Fire resistance.
His whip bursts into flame, and he sweeps it through the web in front of him, clearing a path for himself, Lusk, and Mutt.
"Your magic is no hindrance to one who is protected by the Savored Sting! You will die!"
------------------------
The strands of a web spell are flammable. A flaming weapon can slash them away as easily as a hand brushes away cobwebs. Any fire can set the webs alight and burn away one 5-foot square in 1 round. All creatures within flaming webs take 2d4 points of fire damage from the flames.
------------------------
Active effects:
Read Magic, Heightened Awareness, Discovery Torch (50/70 minutes remaining)
+1 to Will saves from Findeladlara statue (Day 1 of 3)
Invisibility Purge: 6.9/7 minutes remaining
Flames of the Faithful: 6/7 rounds remaining
Judgment: Sacred Resistance (6 Fire)
Variel Duardlon |
Mutt and Lusk: If you are willing to accept 2d4 fire damage, you can ask Variel to include your squares in his swing with the flaming whip.
"Mutt" |
That would be okay on my end.Would my damage reduction reduce that? And would my ablative barrier spell affect it as well?
Variel Duardlon |
Ablative barrier, yes. DR, no.
Fire damage to Mutt: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
Mutt is free of the web.
"Mutt" |
Mutt grits his teeth as he feels the fire coat him and the ablative barrier converts the damage to nonlethal damage. He grins viciously at the drider. "If I were you, I'd start running." He kicks in his bloodrage and steps towards the drider. He swings his greataxe at the monster, channeling his magic into it and swinging for damage. His eyes glow purple as he channels his latent power into the strike as well.
Attack (bloodrage, enlarge person, strength damage, power attack, destined strike: 1d20 + 14 - 1 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 14 - 1 - 2 + 3 = 29 If a drider counts as an elf, then add 2 to the result.
Damage (bloodrage, enlarge person, strength damage, power attack: 3d6 + 7 - 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 5, 3) + 7 - 1 + 4 + 2 = 23
Elf bane damage if the drider counts as an elf: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
Active Effects:
Ablative Barrier 2/35 rounds
Shield
+1 to Will saves from Findeladlara statue (Day 1/1)
2 Strength damage from shadow demon
Enlarge Person 69/70 rounds left
bloodrage 32/33 rounds
Destined Strike 2/3 uses left
Also, I think my token is supposed to be larger since I am now a large sized creature.