Rev DM |
Rothel applies his mind to the runes and chants swiftly, working to break the mystic prison holding Mindressa.
Akemi senses a chance to end the combat for good and all. Calling on her patron, she shifts adjacent to the runes and uses her skills to disable the far corner.
Shifts using Angelic Alacrity - shift 5, +2 Ref/AC to end next turn, Thievery check to disable runes.
1d20+12=27. Success.
Mindressa's aura 5. Difficult terrain for any creature without a swim speed (even if flying)
Mist (Will). Attacks any creature not already dominated that ends its turn in the mist. On hit target is dominated (se).
Second failed save - target is controlled by the mist, is no longer dazed and can make use of any powers and abilities. Alignment changes to chaotic evil. Dominated creatures attempt to slay any creatures not already dominated or controlled by the trap.
MIST DISABLEMENT
Arcana or Thievery x 4
3/4 accomplished
Lisbarr - used AP
Norrin - hidden
Mindressa - marked by Lyan; under Akemi's Oath; takes 10 first time she uses non-basic attack; dazed (se); blinded to end Norrin's next turn; to end enc if hit by Norrin takes -2 penalty to attack rolls and cannot shift to end his next turn
Lyan - used second wind; used AP; -2 Fort and saves to end Mindressa's next turn
Rothel
Akemi 86/113/6 temp hp:3/9: 1 AP; +2 Ref/AC to end next turn
Rev DM |
Lisbarr splashes past Mindressa unharmed but is unable to help the disablement team.
Mindressa's aura 5. Difficult terrain for any creature without a swim speed (even if flying)
Mist (Will). Attacks any creature not already dominated that ends its turn in the mist. On hit target is dominated (se).
Second failed save - target is controlled by the mist, is no longer dazed and can make use of any powers and abilities. Alignment changes to chaotic evil. Dominated creatures attempt to slay any creatures not already dominated or controlled by the trap.
MIST DISABLEMENT
Arcana or Thievery x 4
3/4 accomplished
Norrin - hidden
Mindressa - marked by Lyan; under Akemi's Oath; takes 10 first time she uses non-basic attack; dazed (se); blinded to end Norrin's next turn; to end enc if hit by Norrin takes -2 penalty to attack rolls and cannot shift to end his next turn
Lyan - used second wind; used AP; -2 Fort and saves to end Mindressa's next turn
Rothel
Akemi 86/113/6 temp hp:3/9: 1 AP; +2 Ref/AC to end next turn
Lisbarr - used AP
Rev DM |
Norrin squelches his way to the runes and runs his wet hands over them, finding the sequence that will disable them. With a sullen clunk, they respond, flare once and dim to nothingness.
As they do so, Mindressa's blindness clears and she stands stunned for a few seconds before collapsing at Lyan's feet, sinking beneath the water, her lovely face quite devoid of the bloodlust that tormented her.
Rev DM |
Lyan and Norrin pull Mindressa from the water as the last of the golden mist disperses. She coughs violently and pulls herself to her knees breathing hard.
"I was trapped like a fool. They captured me and turned me into a plaything. That wraith and his master."
She stares at Lisbarr.
"You might have been next."
Rev DM |
"Moghadam. The so-called great architect. He put this key around my neck and turned me loose as a weapon."
Mindressa's tone is bitter.
"He serves Acererak they say. He built this place at his master's orders and filled it with traps."
Recovering somewhat she gestures to Norrin and Lyan.
"I thank you for dragging me from the pool. I would have let a foe like me drown. I hope you will recover from the injuries I did against my will."
Pacing the disabled chamber, she pauses and listens for something, seemingly not hearing it.
"Is this place empty now? When I was captured it teemed with unlife."
Norrin Axebeard |
"Well you did warn us that things weren't as they seemed," Norrin shrugs, "and these bones will knit over time."
"Njall of the Skullbreakers mentioned that this place was drained of its magic six months ago. The same time Moghadam went mad, well, madder I suppose."
"Say, what does that important-looking key unlock?"
Rothel Nelis |
Rothel seems confused by her question, "It would appear presumptious of us to assume to bear witness to the thoughts of the band known as the Skullbreakers. You would be best served by asking them yourself. If you are under the guise that it would gain you quicker consideration, let slip that you came to know of them and their intentions based off of our suggestions." He looks around the room, somewhat cursory, "Where would we find a way out of these particular confines, as one is not readily apparant at this juncture?"
Norrin Axebeard |
"As Rothel says, we don't speak for them, but I'm sure they'll welcome another warrior to the cause, especially with a reference from us."
Norrin looks concerned, "Be careful when you venture out of the Tomb, for there are two hostile factions contesting the ruins. Avoid the black-cloaked Blackfire Disciples and the equally unfashionable Faithmarked. Stick to the shadows and when the Skullcrushers find you, issue the challenge, 'archangel' and they should respond with the prearranged countersign, 'redemption'."
Norrin Axebeard |
Norrin crosses his arms and tilts his head slightly while considering the group's options.
"Ultimately we're going to have to confront this Moghadam. But not before we take a break, or maybe even the rest of the day off," he says while peering over at the now mist-free island.
"You wouldn't mind if we camped over there, would you?"
Rev DM |
Lisbarr's bijou nook provides a safe haven, even in this place. The hours pass peacefully, but as you wake, there are decisions to be made and wraiths to eliminate.
Further inspection of the shallow lake cave suggests no further options for exit. Njall's map is either inaccurate, or the large chamber indicated on it is out of reach for now.
Rothel Nelis |
Rothel looks at the map, then at the room, "Lisbarr, you and I have previously pierced the veil of magical deceptions, perhaps the room we are in as of now contains such effects. I would also request that we further investigate the nature of the runes themselves, in the off chance that they bear the ability to perform some other function beyond creating the mind-controlling illumination."
Insight vs Illusions 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Arcana on the runes some more 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
Rev DM |
Level up to 16 please. I've realised I've missed out some XP. Your current total is 69,000. Effective immediately.
Rothel and Lisbarr put their heads together and come to come conclusions. The first is that if an illusion is present, they can do nothing about it at the moment. The second is their joint realisation that the lake is shallow for a reason. There is more tomb to be found below this level.
Careful examination of the keys alert the pair to some possibilities. The keys work together and in combination may well reveal a hidden entrance in an earlier section of the tomb.
Rev DM |
Lyan's eyes adjust quickly.
At the bottom of the stairs, the passage widens into a pillar lined hallway. Staring at you is the all-too familiar greenstone face of the Devourer. The green face is set in a mass of fractured rock, seemingly ripped wholesale from some other location. It is disfigured with black scorch marks and roughly carved glyphs.
You are approaching from the left - i.e. you are coming down the stairs and the green face is directly ahead of you.