Shabbezz Whorlpad's page

Sorry to see it go, but the game had a good run. Thanks to all of you for everything. See you around!

Thanks, guys. And hey, can't win 'em all. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Lying on the floor covered in burns, Shabbezz's chest rose and fell shallowly, but she was fading fast. It looked like Angelica was the only hope for victory.

Hey, thanks for the time off. Things are more or less stable, which is probably the best I can ask for right now. I'm ready to post again.

I'm sorry, but can I ask you to bot me for a few days? We've just had a death in the family, among other things, and I 'm not really in the best shape to post right now.

I'll check in this weekend. Sorry again.

Drawing one of her wands, Shabbezz stepped out from behind her cover. She pointed the arcane instrument and waited as patiently as she could manage for a clear shot of the Runelord to present herself. The instant she saw her chance, she barked the command word, and a streak of sizzling green acid flew through the air.

Using the wand of acid arrow (CL3, 7 charges remaining) on Sorshen (CL3; Casting Time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S,M [rhubarb leaf and an adder's stomach]; Range: long [400 ft. + 40 ft./level; (520 ft.)]; Effect: one arrow of acid; Duration: 1 round + 1 round per 3 levels [2 rounds]; Saving Throw: none; Spell Resistance: no; ranged touch attack to hit; see link for details).

Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Damage (acid, no splash), Round 9: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
Damage (acid, no splash), Round 10: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

As the others converge on Sorshen in the scrum of melee, Shabbezz loses clear sight of the Runelord. Out of options, she breaks into a run north in an attempt to gain a better vantage point from which to attack.

Taking the run option as a full-round action, which will put me behind the northernmost pillar.

Shabbezz is dismayed that Sorshen apparently is immune to electricity, as this renders her most powerful wand useless. Gripping her amulet, she casts her final magic missile spell, then tries to come up with a new strategy.

Using my bonded amulet to cast magic missile at Sorshen (a typo before; the last two were cast from my 1st-level spell slots, this one is actually being cast from my bonded object class feature; Magic Missile: CL6, three separate missiles, no attack roll necessary; Casting Time: 1 standard action; Components: V, S; Range: 160 feet; Targets: up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart; Duration instantaneous; Saving Throw: none; Spell Resistance: yes; see link for details).

Versus SR: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Damage for missile #1: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Damage for missile #2: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Damage for missile #3: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Shabbezz jukes to the right, lining up her next spell so that it threads through the melee and cuts through Sorshen. They need to keep the pressure up!

Casting lightning bolt (CL 6; Casting time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S,M (fur and a glass rod); Range: 120 ft.; Area: 120-ft. line; Duration: instantaneous; Saving Throw; Reflex half (DC 17); Spell Resistance: yes (Vs. SR: +6); see link for details) at Sorshen. She will take only half damage if she makes a Reflex save versus DC 17. The path will be marked on the map; it will miss the others and ground out at the wall.

Versus SR: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Damage: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 4, 6, 1, 3) = 17 electricity

Man, I'm rolling terrible against spell resistance this fight. Let's try again!

Moving out from behind her hiding spot, Shabbezz takes careful aim and concentrates, determined to break through the Runelord's mystical defenses.

Using my bonded amulet to cast magic missile at Sorshen, then moving south (Magic Missile: CL6, three separate missiles, no attack roll necessary; Casting Time: 1 standard action; Components: V, S; Range: 160 feet; Targets: up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart; Duration instantaneous; Saving Throw: none; Spell Resistance: yes; see link for details).

Versus SR: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Damage for missile #1: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Damage for missile #2: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Damage for missile #3: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I'm going to let my previous actions stand, minus the damage Shabbezz would have sustained.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Shabbezz screams as the flames scorch her flesh. She gasps and chokes, attempting to form the words for a counterattack, any attack spell that she can muster through the pain, then retreats south begind an obstruction, out of what she hopes is Sorshen's direct line of sight.

Using my bonded amulet to cast magic missile at Sorshen, then moving south (Magic Missile: CL6, three separate missiles; Casting Time: 1 standard action; Components: V, S; Range: 160 feet; Targets: up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart; Duration instantaneous; Saving Throw: none; Spell Resistance: yes; see link for details).

Versus SR: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Damage for missile #1: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Damage for missile #2: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Damage for missile #3: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

I'm going to make the reflex save and act as though the spell went off, but yeah I had the same question. Maybe because it was from her sword?

Shabbezz watched the battle, noting that Soreshen appears to be shielded against physical attacks.

Alright, she thinks, let's do something about that...

Casting dispel magic on Sorshen as a targeted dispel effect (CL6; Casting Time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S; Range: medium [100 ft. + 10 ft./level; (160 ft.)]; Target or Area: one spellcaster, creature or object; Duration: instantaneous; Saving Throw: none; Spell Resistance: no; ranged touch attack to hit; see link for details).

Targeted Dispel check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Whew! Skin of my teeth...

Recognizing the silence spell's casting, Shabbezz crosses southwest and retreats farther back to stay clear of the spell's effect.

While Angelica has the drop on her, the wizard begins casting a lightning bolt spell. As one of her most powerful attack spells, she can use it to gauge Sorshen's defenses and plan accordingly.

Casting lightning bolt (CL 6; Casting time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S,M (fur and a glass rod); Range: 120 ft.; Area: 120-ft. line; Duration: instantaneous; Saving Throw; Reflex half (DC 17); Spell Resistance: yes (Vs. SR: +6); see link for details) at Sorshen. She will take only half damage if she makes a Reflex save versus DC 17. The path will be marked on the map and will miss Angelica.

Versus SR: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Damage: 6d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 4, 3, 4) = 22 electricity

Since Zaphomil's already insulted her, Shabbezz figured they're either in for a fight or facing obliteration, so she decides to go for broke.

"Frankly, I have to agree. We've been tromping around this structure, chasing after ghosts and getting nowhere. I don't know what you are, but I've devoted considerable time to studying ancient Thassilon, and I don't believe you to be the true Sorshen. What I do believe is that I'm tired of playing games. If you're not going to assist us, then you're in our way!"

Intimidate (untrained): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

Shabbezz wants to comment about where Sorshen can stuff her offer, but values her life too highly to insult a mage of such legendary power to her face. The grippli had decided to treat this being as the real Sorshen for safety's sake, regardless of how improbable it seemed.

"We also saw what appeared to be you among a gathering of revellers earlier on," she added carefully, fighting the urge to fidget, "However, you had not deigned to engage us in much conversation before disappearing alongside your companions."

Shabbezz keeps her mouth shut for now and lets the others attempt to parley, as she's concentrating on both downplaying these most unwelcome sensations and racking her brain to recall all she knows about Sorshen.

She's green and scaly... but Sorshen was supposed to be a human, so why--

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

If I'm limited to only one knowledge check, I choose knowledge (nature). Also, since we've moved on into the encounter Shabbezz would have taken her usual precaution before venturing forth and cast mage armor using the extended metamagic rod. It would've been nuts to face Sorshen without it.

Shabbezz pores over her spellbook, selecting as many combat-focused spells as she can reasonably muster, as she anticipates a hard right ahead.

Shabbezz nods in affirmation.

"My magic isn't advanced enough to shield us from scrying, although for someone best Sorshen's level I doubt that it ever could be. Still, if she hasn't gone after by us now then I agree that she's either laying in wait, or else never regarded us as a true threat in the first place."

"Either way, I agree with Angelica that we should take this opportunity to recuperate and gather our resources in order to face whatever lies ahead."

Shabbezz seems unsure that they should be buying this explanation at face value.

"Sorshen's skill with enchantment spells was supposed to be far beyond what most spellcasters could ever hope to be capable of. If she is truly alive and active--not that I'm convinced--we can't be sure that any of us aren't subject to her wiles. Desna or no, we should proceed cautiously."

To the gray maiden:

"There's still a lot about this place that we don't understand. If we're going to deal with the matter at hand, then all hostilities between our respective groups need to cease immediately. Can you guarantee this?"

Shabbezz keeps her grip on the wand, still tense, but she holds her position while Zaphomil. She also tries to see how badly Jakscar has been injured from where she's standing.

Perception (darkvision 60 ft.): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Sorry, sorry. Real life drama in spades, I kind of withdrew for a bit. I'll spare you the details.

Shabbezz finds herself alone in the chamber. Momentarily panicking, she looks around for Angelica and Zaphomil. Finding neither, she clutches one of her wands and immdediatly proceeds to look for an exit.

After opening the door:

"JAKSCAR!!"

Eyes wide with horror, she practically stabs the air with her wand as she fires a blast of acid at the gray maiden holding the sword aloft.

Using the wand of acid arrow (CL3, 8 charges remaining) on the gray maiden with the sword (CL3; Casting Time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S,M [rhubarb leaf and an adder's stomach]; Range: long [400 ft. + 40 ft./level; (520 ft.)]; Effect: one arrow of acid; Duration: 1 round + 1 round per 3 levels [2 rounds]; Saving Throw: none; Spell Resistance: no; ranged touch attack to hit; see link for details).

Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Damage (acid, no splash), Round 1: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Damage (acid, no splash), Round 2: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

I can't get past the door on the map, so I hope the shot lines up alright.

Shabbezz pointed to the fog-filled alcove.

"Look, there! That might be the access point. I say we make a run for it, and link arms so that we don't get separated!"

Shabbezz considers the priest's guess.

"It sounds reasonable. We could certainly try it out."

Responding to Angelica:

"I think if we both embrace the statues of Sorshen and Karzoug simultaneously, we might trigger an effect. If it only allows two of us to travel at a time, we're going to have to figure out a means of regrouping. Perhaps if Zaphomil places a hand on one of us as we hug a statue, it might allow him to travel with us, assuming that it is some sort of teleportation effect."

Shabbezz moves to the alcove containing the effigy of Sorshen. Once she is face-to-face with the statue, she signals Angelica to step in front of the image of Karzoug and get ready to hug it.

Much obliged.

As a scholar with an interest in ancient Thassilon, Shabbezz was more or less able to parse out which Runelord that each statue was intended to represent. She started with the script on the floor in front of the pillar, then moved on to the alcoves, beginning with the plaque beneath he red-haired woman with her face twisted in rage, Alaznist, and ending with the image of the grotesquely corpulent mage stuffing himself, Zutha.

"She who desires to ascend the Lady's Light must first deign to embrace the Lady and the Lie," she read aloud. [b]"Fascinating. I can only guess at its meaning. I would take the Lady to mean Sorshen, but then what is the Lie? We may need to explore further before it becomes clear."[b]

I'm also sorry to see you leave Jakscar, but you gotta do what's best for you. You're still welcome to drop in any time you wish. Good luck, and God bless.

Unable to discern where Jakscar or the Gray Maiden had gotten to as well, Shabbezz concentrated on the plaques beneath the figures.

"It's alright, Angelica, I'm well-versed in Thassilonian and related languages. I bet I can make out the inscriptions, but hand me the shard for insurance."

Linguistics (plus the shard): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Did I make it?

Shabbezz took a moment to shake her arms off of the residual static charge left by the spell, then grabbed her wand and took off after Zaphomil.

"Perhaps he was able to slow her down!"

Shabbezz's brow furrowed. Maybe the Maiden's armor was enchanted against flame? Let's change tactics.

Taking a step back and to the left, Shabbezz lined up her sight so that both of the remaining enemies were in her field of vision through the open door. Grabbing the components from her spell pouch, she weaved her arms and chanted before thrusting her right arm forward, a flash and the sharp stench of ozone suddenly in the air.

Casting lightning bolt (CL 6; Casting time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S,M (fur and a glass rod); Range: 120 ft.; Area: 120-ft. line; Duration: instantaneous; Saving Throw; Reflex half (DC 17); Spell Resistance: yes (Vs. SR: +6); see link for details) at the two remaining Gray Maidens, missing Angelica and Zaphomil and grounding out at the staircase. They take only half damage if they make a Reflex save versus DC 17.

Versus SR: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Damage: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 5, 3, 6, 4) = 26 electricity

Hey, congratulations!

This last remaining Gray Maiden will not go down!

Shabbezz instead switches tactics, sheathing the wands in her belt and then spreading wide her webbed fingers in a fan shape, accompanying the motion with a crackling string of syllables.

Casting [ur=https://aonprd.com/SpellDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Burning%20Hands]burning hands[/url] (CL 6; Casting time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S; Range: 15 ft.; Area: cone-shaped burst; Duration: instantaneous; Saving Throw; Reflex half (DC 15); Spell Resistance: yes (Vs. SR: +6); see link for details) at the Gray Maiden in front of Zaphomil, banking the 15-ft. cone off the wall so that the edge fries her without damaging the cleric; I've marked the squares on the map. She should also be suffering the second round of damage from my acid arrow as well (7 acid damage).

Damage (fire): 5d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 2, 1, 2) = 12

The healing wave washed over Shabbezz, instantly knitting together her most minor wounds. With the remaining gray maiden and her own companions still blocking the doorway back into the room, the wizard switched wands and commanded a bolt of sizzling green acid to slam into the enemy's side.

5-ft-step west.

Using the wand of acid arrow (CL3, 9 charges remaining) on the gray maiden battling Zaphomil (CL3; Casting Time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S,M [rhubarb leaf and an adder's stomach]; Range: long [400 ft. + 40 ft./level; (520 ft.)]; Effect: one arrow of acid; Duration: 1 round + 1 round per 3 levels [2 rounds]; Saving Throw: none; Spell Resistance: no; ranged touch attack to hit; see link for details).

Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Damage (acid, no splash), Round 5: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5
Damage (acid, no splash), Round 6: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

From her space across the doorway, Shabbezz can see one gray maiden in melee with Zaphomil while the squad leader makes a break for the stairs. Not confident that she can successfully fire over the gnome priest's head, she instead aims her lighting wand to make short work of the former opponent so that the group can concentrate on the latter.

Activating the wand of lightning bolt (4 charges remaining; CL 5; Casting time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S,M (fur and a glass rod); Range: 120 ft.; Area: 120-ft. line; Duration: instantaneous; Saving Throw; Reflex half (DC 16); Spell Resistance: yes (Vs. SR: +5); see link for details) at the the gray maiden battling Zaphomil. I have marked on the map the area of the spell's effect; Zaphomil should be out of range. They take only half damage if they make a Reflex save versus DC 16.

Wands are spell trigger items, so casting a spell from a wand is a standard action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity. There is no need to cast defensively.

Versus SR: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Damage (electricity): 5d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 5, 2) = 19

I was out all day Sunday, there will be as post coming today at 5:00 CST after I get back from work.

Shabbezz gripped the area over her largest wound and grit her teeth. She wouldn't last long in this position, so she concentrated instead on avoiding the gray maidens' weapons long enough to move away from them and give her more melee-capable teammates room to maneuver.

Using the withdraw full-round action to move away from the two gray maidens and through the doorway.

Long day out, late getting home. Going to sleep now, proper post in the morning. Apologies for the wait.

This was bad. One grey maiden was bearing down on her from the front, and two more were approaching from behind the column. Jakscar managed to clip the one closest while Zaphomil's blessings had healed her wounds almost immediately, but that only bought her a few seconds to react before the next attack that was assuredly forthcoming.

With little room to retreat, Shabbezz tries a gamble. She grabs another one of her new wands with her free hands, looks past the closest gray maiden to the squad leader, then presses the tip of the wand against her breastplate and barks the command word.

Activating the wand of lightning bolt (5 charges remaining; CL 5; Casting time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S,M (fur and a glass rod); Range: 120 ft.; Area: 120-ft. line; Duration: instantaneous; Saving Throw; Reflex half (DC 16); Spell Resistance: yes (Vs. SR: +5); see link for details) at the the gray maiden directly to the north of her and the squad leader battling Jakscar; I have marked on the map the area of the spell's effect. They take only half damage if they make a Reflex save versus DC 16.

Wands are spell trigger items, so casting a spell from a wand is a standard action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity. There is no need to cast defensively.

Versus SR: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Damage (electricity): 5d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 1, 5) = 12

Currently on my way to work. I will post my turn at 6 pm CST.

Shabbezz enters the room, jumping suddenly as Jakscar howls. Seeing the catfolk make an agile leap behind the squad leader, she assists by drawing one her new wands and uttering a hissing command word.

Using the wand of acid arrow (CL3, 10 charges remaining) on the squad leader (CL3; Casting Time: 1 standard action; Components: V,S,M [rhubarb leaf and an adder's stomach]; Range: long [400 ft. + 40 ft./level; (520 ft.)]; Effect: one arrow of acid; Duration: 1 round + 1 round per 3 levels [2 rounds]; Saving Throw: none; Spell Resistance: no; ranged touch attack to hit; see link for details). Jackscar moved behind her from his current position on the map, so from were I'm standing I should have a clear shot.

Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Damage (acid, no splash), Round 1: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5
Damage (acid, no splash), Round 2: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

Bigrin, this is my fault for not asking what the exact results were when Shabbezz cast identify over the wands, but what were the exact caster levels for each wand? I need to know in order to calculate the save DCs, damage and duration for my next post. We can delay my turn if necessary.

"Oh, my..." Shabbezz mutters aloud, giving the room an examination either her own casting of detect magic.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Knowledge (engineering): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Shabbezz maintains a careful step some ways behind Jackscar, giving the fighter plenty of lead in case things go sour.

Shabbezz leans against her staff and waits for Angelica's signal that it's clear to move ahead.

"I wonder if we're any closer to another shard," she whispers. "After the incident with the illusion, or whatever that scene was, I would hope that increased defenses would be an indication that we're on the right track."

"Then I shall keep all three, with my thanks," she answered.

She then gestures meaningfully toward Angelica with a look of concern.

"Incidentally Zaphomil, I don't suppose you've prayed for a spell today that could help with this...?"

Oh, thank God, new wands! Perfect timing, too. :)

"That, my friend, is an understatement," Shabbezz answered Jackscar.

Once Angelica had finished frisking the sorceress, the grippli cast identify over the pile, relating what she had divined to the party.

"I could certainly make good use of the wands, but they could also be sold off when we get back to town, with the proceeds split between the four of us. Obviously I'm biased, so I'll leave that decision up to you three."

I've never used Discord before, but I'm willing to try it. Go ahead.

In a desperation move, Shabbezz gripped the amulet around her neck and cast her missile spell for the final time.

"That was my absolute last casting of that spell!" she yelled to the party. "We're going to have to take the risk and attack the creature directly!"

Using my bonded amulet to cast magic missile at the sinspawn (Magic Missile: CL6, three separate missiles, range 160 feet, no AC bonus for soft cover or penalty for firing into melee, no attack roll needed for either one; all three will strike the same target).

Versus SR: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Damage for missile #1: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Damage for missile #2: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Damage for missile #3: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The wizard grimaced as the sinspawn latched onto Angelica's neck. She saw that that the others were hesitant to strike back while the aberration had the changeling in its clutches, which meant her missile spells were the best option. They were accurate to a fault and had practically no chance of hitting Angelica by mistake.

So if course her wand was down to its last remaining charge and she had expended the spell from her memory. Godsdamn it, Shabbezz told herself; attack now, dither later. Nethys willing, they'd figure something out.

Firing the wand of magic missile (0 charges remaining {wand expended}, CL3, range 130 feet, two missiles, no attack roll needed) at the sinspawn.

Versus SR: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Damage (force), 1st missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Damage (force), 2nd missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Shabbezz keeps up the barrage, trying to wear down their enemy through attrition.

Firing the wand of magic missile (1 charge remaining, CL3, range 130 feet, two missiles, no attack roll needed) at the sinspawn.

Versus SR: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Damage (force), 1st missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Damage (force), 2nd missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3