Yahirma hears Appario's question and seems able to parse its meaning as her comprehension of mortal languages returns. She marvels at the afterimage left by the supernatural manifestation for a moment before answering. "This seems to be all. There are no signs of other spiritual energies that I can perceive."
She pauses for a moment as Derek voices another interpretation. "That fits with what we just witnessed, and it has a certain ring of finality. A foe defeated, a city saved, a scene that wraps it all up together quite nicely… There is a slim possibility that Mammon has catered to our dramatic sensibilities and yet lurks with foul intentions, yet the chances that I am over-thinking matters are far higher." Yahirma gives Appario a tired, wry grin. "I imagine even in the former case we would not know for many years to come."
She startles momentarily when Derek strikes a pose. "But that is a threat for another day. The enemy before us lies defeated."
With Derek once again moving, Yahirma turns her attention to Eccardian to ease pressure on Appario. With her quick but potent curse complete, she moves at street level to be closer to Appario (AI-32) in case he needs assistance.
Casting debilitating portent on Eccardian, which should slow the amount of damage he can do.
While it vents its anger, Yahirma floats out of the ground, returns to her corporeal form, and uses her enhanced speed to wind her way between Derek's corpse and the Beast's stomping form. Activating her robe's power (mnemonic vestment), she performs a quick ritual to channel a scroll's energy into a true miracle. She claps twice to get Suh-Ak'Eh-Di's attention and points to the blood-soaked devil, hoping that he can take its attention off their fallen ally.
Yahirma feels the power of her baleful gaze begin to take hold but with a surge of will Ecarrdian shakes free from it. Xerath’s volley of missiles buffet the barbed devil singling him out painfully and the Beast cuts another devil in half before trampling one of the mercenaries into a puddle of bone and gore. Derek struggles but the barbed devil’s grip is too tight.
In case that was gallant inspiration he just used, keep in mind it works for failed attack rolls and skill checks, but not saving throws.
The hag spirit lashes at the devil pinned between it and Derek. Meanwhile, unable to clearly distinguish how wounded Derek is beneath his heavy armor, Yahirma reaches out with her magic to heal the southern cadre of Gardeners (The Beast, Derrek, and Yahirma—I get the impression Derek is really heavily wounded, but I'm having trouble finding a recent count of his hit points. I suspect Shu'Ak-Eh'Di is still relying on temporary hit points at this time, even after the fireball.) She then skims along the ground (AC-31).
Yahirma is both ethereal and in the ground. Also, thank you for moving closer to Xerath, Appario!
Slithering through the flagstones, Yahirma emerges (AC-37) and performs a hasty, long-range triage of her companions. Seeing the scars left by unholy magic on Appario and Xerath, she stretches her magic to heal both.
Casting mass cure light wounds on those two, who are both close together and within 65 feet of Yahirma's maximum range. Yahirma is at street level and ethereal, and she has a fly speed of 30 feet (haste speed halved to calculate the fly speed)
mass cure light wounds:1d8 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Yahirma's stats:
hp: 60/75
AC: 18
Derek, it's hard to know how injured you are. If you're low, I should be able to heal you next.
Yahirma appears fully like herself rather than a cavorting devil after a true infernal banishes the illusion. She quickly realizes how poor a situation that is once Eccardian's reinforcements surround her. Ah, but I am not bound by the streets. The Wendo move as they will. She thinks as she activates her spectral shroud to become ethereal, exercises a moment's caution before denying Eccardian his access to her sorcerous ally (casts dispel magic defensively [auto success], aiming for the spellfly), and sinks into the ground.
Another delay in healing, sorry. I'd rather not Xerath bleed out.
It appears that Yahirma is rather out of reach of Appario for healing purposes, but she can hit him the next time he swoops by. With Derek as the only other target in range not relying on temporary hit point, I'm going to save the multi-target spells for another round.
Yahirma casts cure critical wounds on herself in order to stay in the fight while watching for an opportunity to get closer to the fight without getting completely into the fight.
CCW:4d8 + 16 ⇒ (7, 7, 3, 2) + 16 = 35
Keep Yahirma's misfortune ability in mind for those attacks, and borrow it if you need it.
The arm swings down at the new devil (seems to still be close by).
I am traveling to a convention this weekend but anticipate having occasional internet access. If I'm holding things up between now and Monday evening, Yahrima aims to cast mass cure moderate wounds on herself and anyone else who wants it. If she's the only one who is particularly injured, she casts cure critical wounds on herself. Keep up the statue and chain barrage.
The animated statue will also attack that new devil near Eccardian in the morning, once I reach a device more amenable to extensive formatting and typing.
Yahirma steps back (AG-41), unlimbers Cataclysm, and holds it out to the bovine champion (standard action with curse). She then tries her best to take cover from the infernal attackers while looking for a chance to heal herself.
Yahirma backpedals a few steps as the outsiders draw closer. My magic does not seem capable of handling so many foes! She tries to restrain one of the devils by drawing a length of golden chain that she throws into its face (steps back to 41AG and casts chain of perdition on top of mounted devil 3—cannot fail any check to cast defensively under these circumstances)
Mind if I use my natural divination on that initiative check (grants a +4 insight bonus, and it looks like I still have 3 more uses of it today)?
Action contingent on higher initiative:
Yahirma calls upon the spiritual patrons of Westcrown to smite the mastermind of the city's woes (casts animate objects to animate one of the statue's arms plus any other parts that would co-constitute a Gargantuan animated object) The chiseled appendage sweeps down at the devil-blooded villain with fingers outstretched.
With conflict building, Yahirma feels it's simply best to cackle rather than try to vocalize any threats in Taldane.
Infernal to Derek:
"Well, my master, it seems the hero has shown himself. I defer to your wisdom in showing him who the real champion of Westcrown is!"
Yahirma's ready to use some magic to heave the tiefling off a statue once she gets the signal. Of course, Xerath's signal might be as good as any. If that seems to be starting trouble, Yahirma's first action will involve activating her prayer bead of karma
I believe the plan was to disguise ourselves as devils just long enough to lure Eccardian out, then drop our disguise so that we could lay him low as the true champions of Westcrown.
Also, did the campaign reset its membership? It looks like the player roster got wiped.
Garbed in hamatula spikes, Yahirma performs a few experimental stretches and admires the magic's handiwork. "For all the evils devils inflict on the world, they do get rather flashy costumes." Turning to Derek, she performs an ineligant stage bow and announces, "The stage is yours."
"Then it's all yours," she says, handing Xerath the scroll of veil.
Once people are arrayed, Yahirma casts the following spells:
Appario Fickle Windsdeflects most ranged attacks and gases
Derek Fickle Windsdeflects most ranged attacks and gases Freedom of Movement Remove Fear+4 morale bonus vs. fear; doesn't stack with Appario's aura of courage
Maddok Fickle Windsdeflects most ranged attacks and gases Remove Fear+4 morale bonus vs. fear; doesn't stack with Appario's aura of courage
Xerath Fickle Windsdeflects most ranged attacks and gases Remove Fear+4 morale bonus vs. fear; doesn't stack with Appario's aura of courage Freedom of Movement
Yahirma Fickle Windsdeflects most ranged attacks and gases Freedom of Movement Remove Fear+4 morale bonus vs. fear; doesn't stack with Appario's aura of courage
Also, if anyone needs align weapon (good), let me know. Yahirma keeps her strand of prayer beads and a scroll of dimensional anchor in hand.
One 1st-level spell cast Two 4th-level spells cast One 5th-level spell cast
Yahirma surveys Derek's "stage" and mulls over some of the details. "The statue is quite large," she notes sadly while rolling her prayer beads in her hands. "It may be too large for me to affect properly, but I'll leave that as a flexible part of the plan." She pulls out a few pieces of chalk and begins sketching on Westcrown's flagstones.
"So if we were flying over the plaza, this is how it would look. Here's us now," she observes while making a few small exes on one end of the plaza, "and here is the statue, which is Eccardian's landmark of choice. I believe the plan is to disguise ourselves as devils with Derek as our lord, then we approach the statue, cackle, and cavort while Derek hurls every insult imaginable. If needed, I shall create illusory flames to make our anger more real.
"My divinations suggest that Eccardian and any of his most steadfast allies are nearby and ready to strike once Liebdaga arrives, so we should not need to wait long. Once he has arrive and is close enough for us to strike properly, we can abandon the disguise and neutralize him. Be warned that I intend to call the city itself to strike down the villain."
She gives the prayer beads another contemplative toss and then wraps them around her wrist. "Xerath, I believe you are the most capable with scrolls of this nature, and even if Derek were to invoke its magic, I believe his attention is better directed at his art."
For GM Feral:
Yahirma is considering casting animate objects (CL 16th with the karma bead), but I imagine the statue is Colossal; I can only animate a Gargantuan structure. Would it be possible to animate one of its appendages as a stationary animated object--kind of like the arboreal hammer spell (Ultimate Magic)?
Appario nods thankfully, already moving to the Vaults.
"What exactly did you want, Yahirma? I have no mind for such things...but I can tally as we go."
He will help Yahirma procure what they need, acting as a banker to ensure the transaction is recorded and fully paid for.
I believe we decided on a scroll of veil, which would run us 1,650 gp.
Faced with such an immense number of scrolls, potions, weapons, armor, and everything in-between, Yahirma takes a few moments to take everything in before she responds intelligably to Appario's question. "Ah...something like..." She pauses again and remembers to begin looking for magic, which triggers another kaleidoscope of wonders. "Fascinating. They've managed to categorize the contents both by form and by aura. We're looking for something like this," she announces as she plucks a scroll tube from a rack and gives it a quick examination. "In fact, we're looking for exactly this.
"While you have done an admirable job presenting the tenets of your faith, Appario, it seems some revelations are most powerful when witnessed in person. I have to admit that Abadar is the superior organizer of intuitive reference systems!"
Ah, I'm remembering our plan now that I've re-read some posts.
"The markets act quickly that investments are already jeopardized," Yahirma admits to the Abadarans present, "But I better understand the nature of the disruption than I do the economic effects. One of Westcrown's noble sons has forsaken the sanctity of the city, and we believe that even now he is staging an even more dangerous spectacle in order to frame himself as a grand Chelish hero." With a satisfied smirk, she continues. "The infernal terror he hoped to inflict on the city is already dead by our hands, but we don't believe he is aware of this. While he waits for his foe, he has holed up in one of the city's monuments, and we," she notes with a meaningful glance at Appario so as to borrow some of his credibility, "believe it would be safest for the people of Westcrown to draw him out of hiding rather than inflict even more grievous wounds to the local architecture."
"The plan is one of deception, and we have an extraordinary actor ready to play the part of the mighty fiend the reckless scion expects. He just needs an outfit."
She then considers what she knows of Abadar in order to word her request. "As the Lord of the Vault keeps virtually everything stored in his realm, so we are hoping that your church has something that can help us disguise the actor as a hulking devil and the rest of our modest company as his underlings. A scroll would be ideal, yet other forms of magical glamer would suffice. As Appario has stated, we are prepared to offer fair recompense."
Hey there. I've been watching my campaigns tab once or twice a week for a while now, but it hasn't registered as there having been any updates. Yep, I'm available to finish this up.
"I could make gouts of fire, though they would be fairly small compared to what was flashing overhead until recently. I could also make a large sign of Asmodeus with some variations to signal Liebdaga's breaking free," Yahirma conveys with some uncertainty. "However, I am not quite able to change Derek's appearance; I could only make an image of Liebdaga that would not be able to speak. The spirits that deceive rarely care to interact with mortals directly, which is one reason an illusion fade when touched by living flesh."
Spellcraft to imagine other options:1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 19 + 2 = 29
"There are stronger illusions that cleave from the Wendo traditions and might be more comprehensible the Derek or Xerath. Were we to track down a version of this magic inscribed on paper, one of you might wield it in this deception."
It seems like we're looking for veil or the like, which Xerath or Derek might be able to cast off of a scroll.
Alternatively, I could animate Liebdaga as a living corpse and have him dance the dance of deception. Ah, but that would require being able to command him with confidence, and I doubt I could bend so powerful a soul to my will after it had tasted the grave.
Casting create undead would be amusing, but I could control at most 17 HD on a really good day. I think even that might be a risky endeavor.
Leaving them to consider these options, Yahirma casts her divination spell, listens to the results, and does her best to record them while the memory is fresh. "It appears that Ecarrdian knows something of our deeds but not all. I believe he has moved many of his allies to the Arodennama statue, and he may also be there," she reports while holding out her transcription. "He awaits Liebdaga, who would drawn the villain from hiding. From there we might defeat him before all of Westcrown."
I'm finding the plan with Derek (veiled as Liebdaga) and us (veiled as minor devils or just hidden) marching up to the big statue and challenging Ecarrdian a fun idea. So long as we can find a scroll or two of veil, we can pull it off.
Yahirma opts to pursue the divination effect but not jungle mind.
"We should deal with the well no matter Ecarrdian's intentions. Dealing with him does not appropriately stem the tide of hell's invasion, and cutting him off from any reinforcements now will make any future conflicts easier for us," Yahirma advises.
"As another idea, is there some sort of magic that could be used to locate him? Or Chammady, do you know where his favored hangout might be?"
Unless Chammady suggests a location, Yahirma answers Appario's inquiry. "I can see what the creatures of the city think, and one wand of mine still has energy left that might seek him out."
Step 1:
Yahirma uses her wand of divination to inquire 'What is Eccardian Drovenge's next objective now that Liebdaga is slain?' If anyone see this as a flawed question and wants to revise it go ahead. There are also some more charges left.
Step 2 (if that doesn't provide much):
Yahirma casts jungle mind to experience Westcrown as the birds do. Perhaps if there are powerful forces at work, she can sense them.
"Actually, Derek, I think we may have done just that—minus the throwing the drink in his face. We've built up the Gardeners, won over several of his allies, and stolen much of the glory he might have wished to gain for himself. Pour a cheap drink, and let's get laughing."
Fortitude, using natural divination for the save:1d20 + 6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 4 + 2 = 28
"I suppose that sounds right," Yahirma speculates as if trying to convince herself that friendship is acceptable when eternal loyalty and servitude are an option. "Your condition has been treated using one of the most powerful medicines known to the planes: a philosopher's stone, which is able to bring the dead back to life and turn base metals to gold. I speculated it might have a similar curative effect on you.
"We have just dispatched a deadly fiend that was imprisoned here, but I doubt that is the last of this city's evils. If you feel capable, your strength and abilities may yet see Westcrown freed of its diabolical influence."
Westcrown above:
Yahirma blushes and becomes somewhat disconcerted at Appario's laughing off the idea of staging a battle—an idea that hits rather close to home.
"We may have some luck with challenging Chammady's brother so directly, but that would rely on our tickling his personal pride such that we exceed his arrogance that he might still accomplish what he has set out to do," she posits. "It's a risky proposition that might just give him time to muster his forces and strike us down at his leisure." She thinks for another moment before addressing Chammady. "Are there particular sites that your brother finds particularly significant? Perhaps there's a place that he would be particularly visible?" she asks as she scans the cityscape. "I imagine he would want as many people to see him as possible while also maximizing the impact of the setting."
Just double-checking to ensure nobody's still in need of any healing
Yahirma lingers near the disturbed agathion on the way out as she tries to resuscitate the broken undead creature.
A philosopher's stone can bring the dead back to life, but could it restore sanity to a tortured soul? she wonders.
Spellcraft both to ponder an alternative application of a minor artifact's power and to remember how to use such a stone properly:1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 2 = 27 Bleh…6 is no good. Using fortune: Spellcraft:1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 19 + 2 = 31
If Yahirma thinks it likely that one could use a philosopher's stone's elixir as a psychological cure-all (and assuming she knows how such an elixir is supposed to operate):
It would not be right to bring back an evil spellcaster, but a creature spun from an outer plane's very heartbeat should not be bound to eternal torment.
"The stone's substance alone is not enough. It behaves like a wish-elixir, but only if mixed with the right fluid," she informs the outsider. "Derek, might I use one of your magical brews? One for healing? Any will do."
If the agathion is willing to surrender the dust or perform the procedure itself, she mixes the philosophical reagent with the potion and gives it a shake. "The fluid is ready. Drink it, pause for several seconds, then speak your wish aloud."
Bluff to convince the agathion that medicine is actually wish-serum:1d20 + 25 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 25 + 2 = 46
"Nothing in here so strong that it would reflect a fiend's presence. Appario? Is there anything left here that would upset your sensibilities? More evil to smite?"
Yahirma blinks a few times to consider what just happened. "I know it's not normally my line, but…is it over?" She casts a simple spell to look for residual auras (detect magic). "Perhaps we should check with the metal notary to confirm Liebdaga's death."
Yahirma shudders as her spirit re-enters her body, only to be greeted by a psychic scream.
Will save:1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 2 = 15
Fortune reroll
Will save:1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 2 = 24
"That..." she sputters while holding her head, "That was not quite what I expected. The painful lessons of the first posession?" She performs a quick ritual on Xerath.
Lesser restoration for Xerath:1d4 ⇒ 2 Lesser restoration for Xerath:1d4 ⇒ 2
I could entirely go for a dramatic slaying of Liebdaga by Derek. I can see how tromping around as Liebdaga is probably more trouble than it's worth.
MORE: And Appario. Tell you what, I'll post a related point in-character, and I'll let Appario have dibs if he calls it. I'm not 100% sure what the ramifications are of Liebdaga trying to leave this subterranean vault, and it may just be safest to do as Appario recommended earlier: kill the fiend here and now.
Hmmm…yeah, it would be best if we could do something dramatic before "midnight." I don't know of other loose ends, and it doesn't seem that any of the surviving creatures in this area are tied to the Council.
Did we leave any survivors for questioning from that first fight (the one with the imp, elven spellcaster, and some other humanoid goons)?
Arguably, Liebdaga could just stomp around town for a bit and see if any Council members or Drovenges show up.
Yahirma's body would probably still need to attempt the save against blasphemy, though it's unlikely to bother her until she returns to her body.
Will save:1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 = 25
From within her spirit focus, Yahirma's virtually blind psyche turns toward the glowing sun of soul-stuff and launches a psychic attack.
Using a full-round action, Yahirma attempts to control what she presumes is Liebdaga (DC 23 Will save). If she succeeds, she throws up her hands in an "X" pattern then holds them up in the air to signal her success. Of course, inside the magic jar Yahrima is unable to use misfortune or other probability-altering effects.
Yahirma motions for the chain to attack the newly released devil. She then casts a spell to attempt her "hail-Wendo" possession gambit.
Chain of perdition to entangle:1d20 + 19 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 2 + 3 = 30 Casting magic jar and taking a look around for particularly strong life signals.
Yahirma weaves together a chain of her own from glowing golden links to tangle with the dark skymetal tendrils. She tosses it toward the far end of the room.
Casting chain of perdition to entangle the cage, attacking from the north/far side about 10 feet away.
Shows what Yahirma understands about advanced metallurgy
Yahirma frowns and quickly reconsiders what she thought she knew about advanced metallurgy when Appario's blade fails to scratch the cage. With a short invocation, she plants an angry seed in the mind of each of her companions and waits to see who nurtures it into a quivering rage-plant.
Casting blood rage on everyone in the party. This affects only willing targets, so if you're not interested in the effect, you can opt out with no save necessary. Those affected gain a cumulative +2 morale bonus to Strength and a –1 penalty to AC for every 5 damage he takes (max +10 Strength, -5 AC). It lasts for 12 rounds. Note this would not stack with rage until Maddok takes at least 15 damage.
The immediate action priority is liberating command should Appario or Shu-Ak'eh–Di be grabbed.
Yahirma retrieves Shu-Ak'eh-Di's weapon (new and improved, with patented, evil-cleansing Good-Tek (R) technology and lemon-fresh scent!) and holds it out for him.
Which is to say it benefits from aligned weapon (good)
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