Orin Vanderwhal |
I know the least about Naladoria, but can anyone really determine the mind of a goddess? If nothing else, we're vanquishing untold horrors in an ancient ruin. Surely that has to count for something?
I will use the mage armor scroll on myself as well before we go in. If we make it back to the spider-stairs unhindered, I will do the following, in this order: Cast Mirror Image on myself, Cast Arcane Sight on myself from the scroll, Cast Frostbite (and just hold the charge), Use Pearl of Power to regain Frostbite, Drink Potion of Fox's Cunning. Then give thumbs up to Jayse and Strae. That should about cover it. During that time, Ushari should probably bust out magic circle against evil and Archon's Aura. Jayse, before we go in any doors at the top of the stairs, it might be a good time for that shield other as well.
stormraven |
The next morning our heroes row the small boat across the turgid waters and brave the Shaudran Ruin one more time. The chambers and halls are blessedly unoccupied. They move cautiously from lamp to lamp throughout the structure, not trusting the silence. At length they arrive at the Second Stair and mount it to stand before the elaborately scrolled door to the Chamber of the Gods. The team prepares themselves.
1d100 ⇒ 78
Orin Vanderwhal |
When we were buying stuff to prep for the trip, we bought two scrolls of shield other and I believe a scroll of Breath of Life. The shield others can spread the damage around and make Ushari's channeling more effective. I also think that Ushari should hold the Breath of Life scroll in one hand, so if one of us gets killed she can run over and revive him.
Orin Vanderwhal |
Right now the only spells sha has cast is the Daybreak Arrows and also Heroism on Jayse.Rest assured she has the scroll ready to be used. Heck she could have Skitter ready to hand it to her, saving room in her hands for other things :)
That's a good idea. Totally forgot about Skitter. Don't hate me! ;-)
Jofram |
With a round of Bardic Performance, I can use Inspire Competence. +3 Bonus to on "skill checks with a particular skill."
It's a little vague, but think this is a single-target ability.
Orin Vanderwhal |
With a round of Bardic Performance, I can use Inspire Competence. +3 Bonus to on "skill checks with a particular skill."
It's a little vague, but think this is a single-target ability.
You wanna hit me up with that on my UMD roll for the scroll? Is that what you mean?
Orin Vanderwhal |
Ah, so actualy we need someone to cast it on Jayse? Gotcha. That's great. Who should share the damage? Ushari?
I was thinking Jayse and Orin share and Ushari and Jofram share (and Strae stays back). Note that it is only one-directional. So if Orin gets hit for 10, he gets hit for 10. If Jayse gets hit for 5, he takes 5 and Orin takes 5. But if me and Ushari try to stay back a bit and spread the damage out, it could extend our lifespans tremendously.
I suppose this goes without saying, but I assumed we have cast Light as well. I can't cast it now without losing my frostbite spell. Also, Jofram, if we are fighting something at range and it has concealment or whatever due to darkness, make your first arrow shot at the creature a daybreak arrow--then it shines like a sunrod and we can see.
So, should I put up the shield other on Jayse? Everybody ready? After that I'm good
Number of images created1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
UMD to cast shield other on Jayse, DC 23 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Jayse |
Yah, go ahead and toss the Shield Other on me... ya know, when the dice will cooperate with you.
Once that's done...
Jayse looks at the door, then shakes his head, "Honestly, best thing I can think to do is to ahve everyone stand back as the door opens. How about we all stand back as you work on the door. If you get it to a point where all you need to do is turn the knob, you and I should switch."
stormraven |
To answer some questions... The trap is Evocation. The trap is on the lock, not the door. So the monkey would have to credibly attempt to pick the lock to trigger the trap. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it isn't as simple as 'pushing on the door'.
I'm not sure what skill (Disable Device or UMD) Jofram is suggesting he modify. I'd like to know that. If he plans to modify several skills then that will require him to run the performance longer.
Here are the effects I have listed so far:
Daybreak Arrows - 70 mins (now 55 min)
Orin - Mirror Image - 6 images - 7 mins
Orin - Arcane Sight - detect magical auras - 7 mins
Orin - See Invisible
Orin - Fox's Cunning - +4 INT - 7 mins
Orin - Mage Armor
Orin - Frostbite - held
Jayse - Heroism - +2 morale ATT, Saves, Skills - 70 mins
Jayse - Shield Other - +1 deflection AC, +1 resistance saves - Orin takes 1/2 DAM - 3 hr (assuming UMD is passed)
Jayse - Mage Armor
Strae - See Invisible
Strae - Mage Armor
I'm not seeing any further mentions of casting or any other definitive statements from the casters involved. SO, here's how this is going to go. I need the following answers:
Jofram - Are you using your IC performance to modify any skill rolls? If so, which ones?
Ushari - Are you using the scroll to cast Shield Other? If so, on whom?
Orin - you declared your castings before moving up the stairs and the trap being detected. To create your monkeys, you will lose your held spell. Is that your choice?
If Jofram does not do IC, you will need to continue to roll UMD scores until you hit the DC.
EDIT - if you are going to 'stand back' while Strae attempts to disarm the trap, I need to know where each of you is standing.
stormraven |
Jayse |
While Strae is working the trap/lock, Jayse will take V63, with a suggestion that Jofram be in U63. With Orin and Ushari behind them. Once the door is ready to be opened, have Jayse switch with Strae (and possibly have Orin step up to Jayse's vacated spot and Strae go to the back row).
Those are my thoughts.
AC 26 • Touch 20 • FF 23
CMD 33 • FF 30 (+2 vs. Grapple/Trip)
Fort +11 Reflex +11 Will +13
--> +2 vs. Shaudran, Enchantments
--> +2 vs. Sleep, Paralysis, & Stunning (Dragon Style)
--> +1 trait vs. Arcane spells
Immune Diseases
.
Effects/Conditions: Mage Armor (7 hrs), Darkvision 60 (constant), Mindshield, Heroism (70 min), Shield Other (3h)
Straehan |
Straehan prays to Gods he doesn't even believe in as he begins to meticulously work to disarm the trapped lock...
Disable Device (trap) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33
click! An audible snap comes off the door as a chill rolls down the corridor, washing over Strae, Jayse, Orin, Jofram, and Filch.
Straehan lets out a breath in the now-frosty air and gives a thumbs-up - the trap has been successfully disarmed. He quickly sets to work on the lock, unsure if the trap will reset soon...
After some cursing and a fumbled try, he pops the lock.
Disable Device (lock) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Disable Device (lock) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37
OK, guys, everyone in the corridor and across the way to the far wall just avoided sucking a 15d6 Cone of Cold. How do you want to approach the room?
Jayse |
Jayse stalks forward carefully. As he approaches the slick-fingered gnome, he whispers with a wry grin. "I'm assuming the fact that I just didn't' get exploded through some form of vicious arcanery that you were successful. So excellent work!" He looks back at the group, then back at the door, voice still low. "Fall back while I open the door… if there are no immediate threats, you and I should lead into the room to continue checking for traps."
He waits for Straehan to fall back.
Obviously, if someone has a better plan, speak up.
stormraven |
Jayse and Strae push open the door...
This appears once to have been a temple although whatever pews or pulpits there were have mouldered to dust. It is still an impressive room with a soaring central arch some 60' above the ground. the room is dimly lit by an unnatural glow that emanates from the massive statues and throne.
In the center of the North and South walls are deep-set alcoves. in the Southern alcove, carved in white stone, is a 40' tall statue of a robed male with improbably smooth features,and a hard look to his glowing pupil-less eyes. He bears a rod in his right hand. In the Northern alcove, carved from black rock, is a 40' tall statue of a robed and hooded woman bearing a slender, wickedly curved, longsword. Her face is similarly smooth featured with glowing pupil-less eyes and a mocking half-smile.
Centered near the Western wall is a large stone throne. Surrounding the throne is a careless pile of coins, art, and objects. Sitting half-on and half-in the throne is an inky figure clad in rotting robes and bearing a sharp ebony crown on it's shapeless, head. It appears to be casually watching you despite the inherent malice radiating from its faceless visage.
It speaks in a pleasant contralto, the voice a strangely accented Common tongue. "Welcome, visitors, to the Chamber of the Gods of the Shaudran." His long arm lifts to point a slender inky digit at the statues - male then female. "You stand in the presence of the Lord Anathanon and his Queen-Consort, Lady Meaggearn. Won't you come in and visit for a time?"
OK, guys, this is my last computer-based post. If you want to chat with the 'guy', we can do that but any combat will have to wait until I return.
Straehan |
Straehan glances over at Jayse with a someone has to risk it... better one than all of us look. He slides into the room along the East wall with false casualness, making a show of examining the construction, while trying to avoid getting any closer to the undead. He notes another door out at the top of the Eastern wall. Sorry, can't update the pic until I get back.
His tone is as free of concern as he can make it, given what he has realized about their opponent. "You seem to know a lot of the Shaudran... Ista malachana kekk'utyi Shaudri sem sur anatarayy?"
Strae has ID'd the creature but he is keeping it to himself for the moment - probably wouldn't go over well discussing how to destroy it at this moment.
Know: Religion 20 + 11 = 31 Take 20 - Scholar Ability 1/day
Villainous Undead |
The creature sounds pleasantly surprised. "Your accent is poor. Self study, I imagine? Still, I'm flattered you've taken to resurrecting our tongue. As to your question... I am Shaudran though I can't say if I'm the last of our once great race. Immortality, it seems, was short-lived for my brethren."
Villainous Undead |
"Your...hospitality knows no bounds." Ushari replies with a trace of sarcasm in her voice. She watches Straehan enter the room and decides to distract their host further. "Would you care to introduce yourself to us?"
It turns the red pin-points that it calls eyes on the cleric. "Watch your tone, child, or you'll learn the limits of my charity... Since you've broken into my home, like uncommon thieves, the first introductions should be yours... but I'll indulge you. I am Sin'anath'rath. And you are?"
Villainous Undead |
The creature inclines its crowned head, "Charmed, I'm sure, Miss Velnokal." It looks to the others briefly to see if they intend to respond before continuing to chat pleasantly with Ushari. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" It nods in the direction of the gnome. "A scholarly interest in a vanished people, perhaps?"
Villainous Undead |
The creature practically purrs. "An honor, sir. Hmmm..." He seems to consider the exiled Goddess' name as well as the request for a time. "I'm afraid I don't know the lady but I do have this."
Its over-long arm stretches through the side of the throne. The long fingers sift through the coins and objects scattered nearby. After a moment, the hand rises from the pile as objects slip through it even as the arm slides through the side of the throne. Resting in the creature's palm, surrounded by the foot long razor-clawed fingers that protect the item like a spider protecting its eggsac, is a small bronze-ish looking seashell sculpted in metal. It is no more than two inches across. "This is the only shell-like treasure here. What is it worth to you?"
Since it doesn't have K:Religion, it doesn't know Naladoria.
stormraven |
FYI - To me, Mithril is silver and Adamantine is a bronzey colored metal - despite whatever the books may say. Having never seen Corborundrum but knowing it is related to Adamantine, you imagine this shell may be made of Corborundrum.
Jayse |
Jayse takes a few steps into the room, trying not to look like he's looking for hidden threats as he lets his mind blade dissipate. Perception 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19.
"This is the only shell-like treasure here. What is it worth to you?"
Jayse answers in an off-hand matter, "Hard to say… not really us who wants it." He looks over at the shell and the speaker, "I gotta ask… how is it that you know the common tongue? Can't imagine you get many visitors in here."
Villainous Undead |
If that is the shell we seek, it is worth quite a bit--I would offer you a lot. That shell is nonmagical, though, so it's likely worthless to us. May I examine it for a moment? If this is Naladoria's shell, I will make you a generous offer.
The creature almost smiles and widens its claws as if in invitation, "Of course. Why don't you step closer and examine it?"
Ushari Velnokal |
Ushari steps into the room behind Jayse, her eyes roaming over the statues and the pile of treasure next to the throne. She motions for Jofram to guard their rear and looks at Sin'anath'rath.
"In addition to helping Naladoria out, we also do have an interest in the Shaudran race...and not just for monetary reasons either."