Sareth |
"We are here to put him down forever. What brings a person such as yourself here anyway? If you can fight or cast, we can use you."
Quinn Kouniashi |
Quinn shakes off the remnants of the ales after letting them sit a spell. He grins and claps the others for their aid. He stands, striding toward the newcomer with the others.
"Why is it you say the curse must not be lifted? What is it doing while in effect?"
GMTrex |
he may have been thinking/expecting lesser restores with d4.
This.
Isthemes relaxes considerably and shakes his head. "My uncle Amenopheus taught me well, but I am spent. I will be no use in a fight. Zuberi's curse keeps him aged and infirm. Returned to power he could destabilize the entire region, as he did in his prime. Go and hurry -- he has no doubt begun the ritual to overcome the curse! His guards went through a secret door at the end of the hall before I lost consciousness."
Sure enough, a secret door is found and the party hurries along a short hallway. They burst in an opulent chamber, eight stone columns supporting the 30-foot-high vaulted ceiling in this massive room. Between them lies a sunken floor filled with treasure encompassing several piles of coins, ornate chests, art and trade goods, arms and armor, and even a gilded chariot. To the south stands a set of bronze double doors engraved with the image of a single eye. These doors stand open, but a towering ettin and a shimmering field of faint blue light stands between them. In the dark chamber beyond, you can see a strange black vault in which a mysterious and horrific ritual is underway.
Six towering men with skin like dull granite stand guard with the twin-headed ettin. Precious stones glow bright on each man's forehead, and each stands nearly twelve feet tall. These are the fabled Living Monoliths of Osiriani lore.
Akila, Kamilah, and Meshkenet manifest immediately as the Pathfinders spill into the chamber. The spirits' accusing fingers point at the ettin in angry unison: "ZUBERI!" The ettin roars a rumbling challenge in response; in an instant, the spirits flash into their chosen implements in life, ready for battle!
Omrax: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Quinn: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Sareth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Skybek: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Zuberi: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18
Guards: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Note: the 36 squares between the columns are considered Difficult Terrain due to the sheer quantity of treasure filling them.
Don't forget to use your concubine bonuses as a standard action!
Round I -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni
2. Ettin
3. Omrax
4. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek
Sareth |
PoO: As is Sareth normal modus operendi I would have cast spells before going through the doorway. I would have called upon the oft-used gift of Freedom of Movement, as well as given myself to the Concubines to grant their boon of life and regeneration.
GMTrex |
Freedom of movement works for me, but the concubine boon specifically states you have to be in combat to activate it.
Sareth |
Then I'll do Blessing of Fervor. I really would have used both spells before entering. Rule #6 and #41 aafter all.
Omrax the Bold |
About how long since last combat and would we have had a chance to cast a buff prior to entering?.
GMTrex |
A few minutes or so. A buff or two is fine.
Omrax the Bold |
Omrax casts div favor on himself, and his keen+2 divine bond should still be good on his longsword for another 1-2 minutes. He will plan to activate the ghost's blade boon on his turn.
Mrachni Swordfollower |
I'll go with a bull's strength beforehand.
Mrachni tenses, and then relaxes as he realizes the invading force is the spirit he has chosen to host. "Very well," he mutters, "release your strength." Everyone gains the benefits of greater heroism for 12 minutes, granting a +4 bonus on attacks, saves, and skill checks, immunity to fear effects, and 12 temporary hit points.
GMTrex |
Mrachni feels centuries of prepared vengeance fill his heart. The feeling spreads quickly to the other Pathfinders. The ettin screams defiance and flings a volley of magical force at the nearest armored knight. The magic punches through Omrax's thick plate with inevitability.
Force @ Omrax: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 4, 4) + 5 = 20
Omrax too calls upon Akila's wrath, gaining the protections she warded herself with in life. Each Pathfinder gets a +3 deflection bonus to AC and a +3 resistance bonus (for what good that does, lol) for 5 rounds.
The Living Monoliths advance through the treasure room, one getting close enough to strike at the Iomedean, ring-laden falchion ringing as it passes.
Falchion @ Omrax: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 MISS
Please update your stat lines. Lots of buffs flying around.
Round I -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni
2. Ettin
3. Omrax (94/103 hp)
4. Guards
5. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek
Sareth |
Sreath holds on for just a moment longer before unleashing Meshkenet. He calls forth a wall 10' high and 2" thick. "That should buy us a few precious seconds. Concentrate your power on that one!" Green
Wall has Hardness 8 and 15 HP.
Taking the REF and ATK bonus from BoF
Sareth |
"Protect the Sapphire Sage's nephew!" He's not in the room with us, is he?
GMTrex |
No, not in the room. What kind of wall are you creating?
Omrax the Bold |
Wow - lots of buffs...the Wrath is not as good as heroism since it does not stack with +1ring or +3Cloak etc
Omrax steps up on the one that swung at him.
Stand down! We have business with Zuberi. Thou would be wise to leave lest you be cast in with his lot!
He calls out to Zuberi Smite Evil on Zuberi - trying to get to him, but may have to cut down a few mooks first it appears
By the Righteous Might of the Inheritor, we shall smite thee and end this foul plot!
1-NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 32
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 22
BoF-NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 28
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 17
2-NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 33
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 24
3-NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 28
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 23
Sareth |
stone. Sorry.
-Posted with Wayfinder
GMTrex |
The Inheritor's blade crashes into the huge, silent Monolith's shoulder with a crunch. Omrax pulls the blade free and immediately buries it again in the man's gut. The steel squelches on the way back out and a rain of blood follows when the knight separate's the giant's head from his neck.
One down! No worries, Sareth.
Round I -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni
2. Ettin
3. Omrax (94/103 hp)
4. Guards
5. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek
Quinn Kouniashi |
Not wanting to get embroiled with the coming guardians (assuming constructs or similar) Quinn moves around the wall and conjures up a puddle of grease beneath two of them.
DC 18 Reflex save, nothing especial
Skybek Odeon |
Blessing of Fervor= +2 Attacks, Ref, and AC. AC = 27 currently.
"O' mighty Cayden Cailean, we wish tae drink tae yer immortality tonight, but Ahh ask that you first help us tae toast oor enemies!"
Skybek raises his hands calling upon Cayden Cailean's power and brings his hands down with a quick remark that sounds like "Hot Potatoes!" to cast Flame Strike on the great Ettin!
Flame Strike: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 4, 1, 6, 1, 3, 6, 3, 3) = 34 Reflex DC20 half
A vertical column of fire comes down from the sky engulfing the ettin and the red minion.
Skybek smiles under his bushy beard as he grips Crimzor tightly in his hands, preparing to use it!
GMTrex |
Living Monolith is a prestige class. They are human. Skybek needs to move forward a bit to get his spell off because Sareth's wall breaks line of sight to the target. I've moved him.
Purple: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Red: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Ettin: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Red: 1d20 ⇒ 10
The ettin's roars turn to screams of furious agony and the pungent stench of burning flesh pervades the room. Two of the Monoliths topple on unsteady feet, while the half-orc steels himself for the remainder's onslaught.
Two heads snarling and gnashing their teeth, the ettin sends another volley of magic force, this time punching holes in Skybek's beard rather than Omrax's armor!
Force Damage: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 4, 4, 2, 1) + 5 = 17
Round II -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni
2. Ettin (34 dmg)
3. Omrax (94/103 hp)
4. Guards (Red @ 34 dmg)
5. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek (90/95 hp)
Omrax the Bold |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Omrax focuses his entire attention on the ettin as he rushes the giant 2-headed wizard.
"Your doom is eminent!"
Taking extra movement from BoF, He may be provoking 3 AoO from the fallen and Ettin as he moves 35' to close within striking range.
AC30 vs Prone Monoliths. AC36 vs Ettin
He swiftly calls forth a litany of Righteousness on the Ettin. (DC18 WILL)
Smite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 6 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 6 + 2 + 4 = 34
for pa,smite, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 15 + 2 = 37
Assuming Ettin is evil and not an outsider or undead,
if Omrax hits it, it takes either 37 (or 74 damage if it fails against Litany.)If Ettin is undead then add 15 or 30 extra damage
1 round - all good aura PC's do double melee dmg on Ettin if he failed.
Lords Skybek, Mrachni, Sareth...strike him down if you can reach him!
GMTrex |
Ettin AoO: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
Will: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Omrax charges, longsword held high. The ettin swipes for his helm with a massive flail, and the paladin deftly ducks to plant his feet before the massive beast. He brings his arms down, back muscles curling at speed, the deadly edge of the blade circling for the space between the ettin's heads in a blink of the eye. A crunch and a geyser of hot blood escapes from the wound, so much that the red eruption disguises the reality: Omrax has bifurcated the ettin entirely. A wisp of... something... flees the body and punches through the shimmering wall of force behind the collapsing ettin. The wall crumbles and collapses, allowing the Pathfinders to see beyond...
That is, if they can risk such a glance during a fight not yet done. The fallen monoliths collect themselves on unsteady feet. Another shoves gilded statues aside to stand over the fallen ettin. A fourth tries to hack through Sareth's stone wall, some masonry crumbling but the stone holding for now. Only one gets close enough to engage, and Omrax trusts his armor.
Falchion @ Omrax: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 MISS
Falchion @ Wall: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 2) + 9 = 16
Let me know if you're risking a look (a move action and you need line of sight to the door, obviously).
Round III -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni, Omrax (94/103 hp)
4. Guards (Red @ 34 dmg)
5. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek (90/95 hp)
Sareth |
"Come forth spirit! See your destiny brought to light!" the cleric then invokes the power.
all Pathfinders within 10 feet of you gain fast healing 5 for 5 rounds.
Sareth steps boldly forward, "Huzzah! Well done Omrax!"
Skybek Odeon |
Skybek takes a five foot step and drives Crimzor into the purple fiend.
Using Blessing of Fervor, Bless, Divine Favor and Bull's Strength. Am I forgetting something?
Crimzor, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 6 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 5 = 15
Crimzor, Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 5 = 21
Using Blessing of Fervor for an extra attack.
Crimzor, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 6 = 36
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 5 = 16
Confirmation?: 1d20 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 6 = 36
If Yes, then additional Damage: 2d8 + 16 + 10 ⇒ (1, 7) + 16 + 10 = 34
"Yae cannae expect Crimzor tae tak it easy on yae when he's hungry fer battle and this dwarf is thirsty fer beer!"
Omrax the Bold |
Omrax is too focused on the dead ettin (and out of moves) to glance through the door.
"Sir Sareth, I was not expecting it to fall so easily.
Either Master Skybek severely injured it with fire, or this was not Zuberi!
Mrachni Swordfollower |
+1 to AC from War Mind, +30 ft speed from BoF. Moving (moved) 40' down and 10' right. May provoke from one or more of those guys.
GMTrex |
Sareth invokes Meshkenet's ire as Crimzor bites twin gashes in a huge guardian's chest. Not finished, however, Skybek winds up for a third strike and twirls for greater force. The axe head cleaves through flesh and bone like rice paper, separating the giant's torso in two.
Mrachni weaves through the melee to get to the door. A surprise strike delivers a painful jab between the plates of his armor; nevertheless he arrives mostly intact.
Red AoO @ Mrachni: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 HIT Confirm: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 nope Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 4) + 9 = 16
Blue AoO @ Mrachni: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14 MISS
Orange AoO @ Mrachni: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 MISS
Round III -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni (79/83 hp), Omrax (99/103 hp)
4. Guards (Red @ 34 dmg)
5. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek
Omrax the Bold |
Omrax is comforted by having Mrachni join him at the front, with the other giants pushing forward in place of the fallen ettin.
The twin blades of the Inheritor will bring righteousness to these foul halls!
No smite, BoF for extra attack and lay into the closest giantkin
NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 29
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 18
NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 33
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 18
NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 24
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 23
NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 32
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 22
NoSmite Omrax confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 15
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 17
GMTrex |
Omrax slays another in four precise strokes!
Quinn!
Sareth |
And Lo shall Omrax be remembered years from now as the One Who Cleaves. Foes fell to him. Enemies were judged. His wrath undid the wicked.
Omrax the Bold |
Omrax is worried the giants are stalling and the true enemy is escaping or drawing closer to his curse.
"Sir Sareth, Sir Quinn, can any of you scholars gain access to the far room? These giants can not be our nemesis, Zuberi.
He may be performing the ritual.
Something beyond my simple reconciling is at work here.
Quinn Kouniashi |
Quinn steps forward to shout "Gerbil strawberries extra coupons!" at the foes.
DC 20 Will save or confused. Covers all three. Because of the wall, it blocks line of effect to Sareth and Skybek.
Oh, and Blessing of Fervor +2 AC and Ref. Just in case
GMTrex |
3d20 ⇒ (4, 17, 1) = 22
The giants are visibly unnerved by the fox's fickle spell. The big man up by the entryway hurries through gold mountains to block access to the doorway. The other two swing wildly at the Pathfinders, one striking his own foot in the process.
1d100 ⇒ 5
1d100 ⇒ 60 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Red @ Omrax: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 MISS!
Round IV -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni (79/83 hp), Omrax (99/103 hp)
4. Guards (Red @ 34 dmg, Blue @ 6 dmg)
5. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek
Omrax the Bold |
Omrax calls out to his allies.
"We cannot suffer these to delay us further. Ill omens await beyond and these extend time. Stand clear giant, our mission lies not with you but your master!"
Again striking with BoF and no smite. However, if he drops it he will step to the southeast to hold the breach.
1-NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 29
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 24
BoF-NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 39
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 22
2-NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 23
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 22
3-NoSmite Omrax +3 EO keen longsword,pa, feast, divf, hero: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 25
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 23
BoF-NoSmite Omrax confirm: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 24
for pa,, divf: 1d8 + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 22
GMTrex |
And another monolith falls!
Round IV -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni (79/83 hp), Omrax
2. Guards (Red @ 34 dmg, Blue @ 6 dmg)
3. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek
Skybek Odeon |
Round IV
Crimzor attacks the red fiend. Skybek wields Crimzor.
Using Blessing of Fervor, Bless, Divine Favor and Bull's Strength.
Crimzor, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 6 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 5 = 17
Crimzor, Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 5 = 20
Using Blessing of Fervor for an extra attack.
Crimzor, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 5 = 14
"Ahh suggest yae surrender! Are yae willin tae sacrifice yer life tae save yer boss who probably daesnae care fer yae anaway?"
GMTrex |
Crimson drinks the last blood of yet another monolith! Only one remains...
Sareth |
Sareth begins a complex spell, calling forth a Hound Archon. And 5' steps.
Quinn Kouniashi |
Quinn dances around the final monolithic thing and stabs from behind!
Razor's Kiss dance, +2's from BoF
Tumble: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (9) + 32 = 41
Scimitar: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 2 = 21
1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
GMTrex |
@ Sareth: YotSL doesn't start until June 7th, so we have a little more time. We shouldn't need it, though.
Quinn drives his blade into an enlarged kidney!
Round IV -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni (79/83 hp), Omrax
2. Guard (Blue @ 17 dmg)
3. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek
GMTrex |
Mrachni hesitates, staring into the next room with mixed curiosity and trepidation! The lone monolith grabs hold of the pillar for a better swing at Omrax--yet the Iomedean's plate is more than a match for his steel!
Falchion @ Omrax: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 MISS
Round V -- bold may act!
1. Mrachni, Omrax
2. Guard (Blue @ 17 dmg)
3. Sareth, Quinn, Skybek
Quinn Kouniashi |
With a quick step, Quinn gets into position to take a few more swings!
BoF: Extra Attack
Dance: Razor's Kiss
Scimitar: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 4 = 30
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Blessing: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 15 + 4 = 31
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Iterative: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 4 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Bite: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 4 = 13
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
It sure would be nice to make use of the 15-20 crit range...
Skybek Odeon |
BOF: Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
(AC: 27)(Bonus to Attack = Power Attack, Bull's Strength, Divine Favor, Flanking, BOF)
Skybek moves up and attacks the remaining monolithic fiend.
Crimzor, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 10 = 35
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 5 = 21
Sareth |
Is there anything stopping Sareth from manifesting his summon on the other side of that veil?